Man held for four years because he could not afford bail

A man who was held behind bars for four years because he could not pay his bail deposit has been released by a court, which also called for a review of the process of compilation of evidence, to avoid undue delay. The case was filed by Jonathan Attard, who is awaiting trial for alleged association in selling cocaine. He said that he was arraigned on November 4, 2008. After his fourth request, he was granted bail in March 2009 but was requested to deposit €47,000. Since he could not afford that sum, he was kept behind bars. After subsequent requests, the deposit was reduced to €15,000 and then €10,000 but he could still not produce that sum and therefore remained under preventive arrest. Meanwhile, a co-accused was granted bail and final judgement was delivered. Mr Attard said there were no reasons for him to be held under arrest since he had cooperated with the police. Furthermore, more than four years had elapsed since he was arraigned, and the prosecution had presented its evidence. He also argued that his human rights had been breached. The Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police denied breaching the human rights of the accused. They denied undue delays in the...