Death certificate row referred to the AG

The director of the Public Registry is to seek the advice of the Attorney General over whether to issue the death certificate of Matthew Zahra, who went missing in 2012 and whose remains, which were found buried in a Birzebbuga field, are still in possession of the court.

The decision was taken during the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea, 39, of Marsa and Ronald Urry, 49, of Paola, who are pleading not guilty to the murder of the 27-year-old taxi-driver.

Mr Zahra was found buried in the same field where the dead bodies of Mario Camilleri and his son were discovered a year later.

Earlier in the proceedings, lawyer Stefano Filletti, appearing parte civile, had pointed out to the court that Mr Zahra's death certificate had not yet been issued.

Mario Ellul from the Public Registry, said that a death certificate could only be issued once there was official certification from a doctor or hospital.

Even if the few remains found, such as parts of his leg, did belong to Mr Zahra, he could still be alive. The only option in such case was to allow 10 years to elapse, before he could be declared dead, the official added. The case is being heard before Magistrate Josette Demicoli.