Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà has described the acquittal of former soldier Lorin Scicluna over the murder of Lassana Cisse as “demoralising”, admitting that such verdicts can be particularly difficult for investigators who have spent years building a case.Speaking to journalists on Monday, just hours after a nine-person jury cleared Scicluna of seven of the nine charges against him, Gafà acknowledged the emotional toll that unexpected verdicts can have on the police force as reported by Malta Today.“I’ve lived through many cases like this, not necessarily juries, and you feel demoralised,” he said.Scicluna was acquitted of murdering Cisse and attempting to murder three other men, Ibrahim Bah, Mohammed Jallow and May Malimi.However, he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to Malimi and driving without a licence plate.Gafà highlighted the sacrifices made by police investigators throughout lengthy criminal proceedings, particularly when the final outcome differs from what they believe the evidence supports.“When the sentence does not reflect what you’ve worked for, and you know in your conscience it should have been a different result, yes, it’s demoralising,” he said.Nevertheless, the commissioner insisted that police officers must continue carrying out their duties regardless of disappointing outcomes.Asked whether the verdict exposed deeper problems within Malta’s justice system, Gafà pointed to the requirement for prosecutors to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, describing it as a significant hurdle.Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield also acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the verdict, saying such outcomes inevitably leave a bitter taste.“I understand the police’s concerns, but that’s the system we have, and I’m proud of the police’s work,” Bedingfield said.However, the minister refrained from commenting directly on the jury’s decision, noting that proceedings have not yet concluded, with Scicluna’s sentencing scheduled for later this week.What do you make of these comments?•