Former Malta Philharmonic Orchestra CEO Sigmund Mifsud has been sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of attempting to obstruct justice in connection with a sexual harassment scandal at the national orchestra according to Malta Today.Mifsud was also ordered to pay €5,696 in court expenses.The case dates back to allegations made in 2022 against another orchestra official, who subsequently admitted to sexually harassing a female member of the orchestra.Mifsud was convicted of attempting to prevent the victim and other individuals from providing information and evidence to the authorities. He was acquitted of two other charges concerning the alleged use of violence to influence another person and instilling fear of violence in the victim.In its judgment, the court highlighted the seriousness of Mifsud’s actions, particularly given his position as CEO and his responsibility for safeguarding orchestra employees.Prosecutors had alleged that Mifsud instructed employees to remain silent about the scandal and attempted to persuade the victim to change her version of events before criminal proceedings began.During his testimony, Mifsud denied instructing the orchestra official involved to lie. However, he acknowledged that speaking to him while he was under investigation had been a mistake after a lawyer had advised him against doing so.The court ultimately found that Mifsud had attempted to interfere with the administration of justice to protect his personal interests, concluding that his conduct warranted an effective prison sentence.Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the case.•