Four years on, Paulina Dembska family still seeks justice

Four years after the killing of Paulina Dembska in Sliema, her relatives say they remain trapped in a prolonged state of grief compounded by the slow pace of criminal proceedings. While time has passed since the crime that shocked Malta in early 2022, the outcome of the case remains unresolved, leaving the family with a continued sense of uncertainty and emotional exhaustion.

Dembska, a 29 year old Polish national, was raped and murdered in Independence Gardens in Sliema on January 2, 2022. The brutality of the crime drew widespread public condemnation and prompted renewed national debate on violence against women, public safety and the efficiency of Malta’s criminal justice system. Four years later, the family maintains that their primary concern remains unchanged, namely that accountability has yet to be established through a final judicial outcome.

In recent days, renewed public attention has followed social media posts and public statements marking the anniversary of Dembska’s death. These messages have again highlighted the emotional toll placed on the victim’s relatives as well as broader concerns about delays within the judicial process.

A sister’s public reflection on loss and delay

In a social media post published on Friday, Dembska’s sister Daria reflected on the passing of four years since her sister’s death. Her message combined personal grief with frustration over the unresolved status of the case.

“Today marks four years since your life was brutally taken from you, Paulina,” she wrote. “Every moment without you is just as hard as that first one. I want to believe that wherever you are, it’s beautiful there and that you finally have peace.”

Daria also addressed the absence of a concluded court process, noting that the passage of time has not eased the family’s sense of injustice.

“I can’t stop thinking about how the person responsible for your death has yet to be held accountable… and it’s been four years,” she said. “I know nothing will bring your life back, but at least if the suspect is eventually convicted, it could give others a chance at safety. Malta, wake up.”

Her words resonated widely, reflecting sentiments that have been expressed repeatedly since the early stages of the case. While the family has consistently avoided inflammatory language, their public statements have emphasised the emotional burden of waiting for legal clarity while continuing to mourn a violent loss.

The events of January 2, 2022

Paulina Dembska was found dead in Independence Gardens in Sliema in the early hours of January 2, 2022. The discovery prompted an immediate police investigation and widespread media coverage due to the nature of the crime and its location in a public area.

The case quickly became one of the most closely followed criminal proceedings in recent Maltese history. Public concern was intensified by the randomness of the attack and the vulnerability of the victim, who had been engaged in a quiet routine activity at the time.

According to public statements later recalled by political figures, Dembska had been feeding stray cats on a cold January morning when she was attacked. This detail became symbolic in public discourse, reinforcing perceptions of innocence and vulnerability that shaped national reactions to the crime.

Profile of Paulina Dembska

Paulina Dembska was the youngest of five siblings. Her family has described her as kind natured, curious and determined to broaden her experiences beyond her home country.

She first visited Malta in 2018 and later decided to return to study English. According to her relatives, the move represented a significant personal step that allowed her to gain independence and confidence. They have said that her time in Malta helped her become more outgoing and self assured.

Friends and family have repeatedly stressed that she viewed Malta as a place of opportunity and safety. This belief, they say, makes the circumstances of her death even harder to accept.

Criminal proceedings and legal complexities

The accused in the case, Abner Aquilina, has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Throughout the proceedings, the court has heard extensive expert testimony concerning his mental state at the time of the alleged offence.

During an early stage of the case, Aquilina proclaimed himself “the antichrist” in court, a statement that led to psychiatric evaluations by court appointed experts. These experts later concluded that he was legally insane at the time of the crime.

This finding introduced significant legal complexity into the proceedings. Under Maltese law, determinations of criminal responsibility in cases involving mental illness require careful judicial consideration and additional procedural safeguards. While such processes are intended to ensure fairness, they have also contributed to extended timelines.

The case has been adjourned on multiple occasions, leading to repeated delays. Dembska’s relatives have previously stated that these delays have made it difficult for them to properly grieve and find emotional closure.

Family concerns about emotional support

In earlier comments, members of Dembska’s family said they felt that the accused had received more psychological support than the victim’s relatives. While acknowledging the legal necessity of psychiatric assessments, they expressed concern about the absence of structured assistance for families navigating prolonged criminal proceedings.

Their remarks were framed as an appeal for broader institutional awareness rather than a criticism of specific individuals or agencies. The family has emphasised the importance of victim centred approaches within the justice system, particularly in cases involving extreme violence.

Further allegations while in custody

In June 2025, Aquilina was brought before the courts again following an alleged incident while in custody. He was accused of stabbing a fellow inmate in the eye with a pen.

This separate allegation added further complexity to an already lengthy legal process. It also renewed public discussion about custodial supervision, mental health management within detention facilities and the broader challenges faced by the criminal justice system when dealing with high risk individuals.

As with all legal proceedings, these allegations remain subject to due process and judicial determination.

Legislative impact and femicide reforms

The killing of Paulina Dembska had a direct impact on Maltese lawmaking. In the months following the crime, Malta introduced amendments to its criminal code that established harsher penalties for cases classified as femicide.

These reforms were presented by lawmakers as a response to public concern and as part of a wider effort to strengthen protections for women. While legislative changes cannot reverse past tragedies, they were widely viewed as an acknowledgment of systemic gaps exposed by the case.

Legal experts have noted that such reforms signal a shift in how gender based violence is addressed within Maltese law. However, they have also cautioned that effective implementation and timely judicial processes remain essential to achieving meaningful justice.

Public memorials and symbolic remembrance

In 2024, a red bench dedicated to victims of femicide was inaugurated along the Sliema promenade near the site of Dembska’s killing. The bench serves as both a memorial and a public statement against gender based violence.

The plaque on the bench reads: “We remember Paulina. No horror could extinguish her light. No more excuses. Protect women.”

The installation has since become a focal point for remembrance events and public reflection. It stands as a visible reminder of the human cost of violence and the responsibility placed on institutions and society to prevent similar tragedies.

Statements from European leadership

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola marked the fourth anniversary of Dembska’s death with a public statement recalling the circumstances of the crime and renewing calls for accountability.

“Today, remember the light she brought to the world as we renew our calls for a semblance of justice to be served for her and all of us,” Metsola said, urging the public to demand swifter action. “No more excuses.”

Her comments underscored the international attention the case has received and reflected broader European discussions about judicial efficiency, victim protection and public trust in legal systems.

Ongoing public concern and institutional trust

The prolonged nature of the case has continued to raise questions about the balance between legal safeguards and timely justice. While Malta’s courts operate within established procedural frameworks, public confidence can be strained when high profile cases remain unresolved for extended periods.

Legal observers have noted that delays in complex criminal cases are not unique to Malta. However, they have also stressed the importance of clear communication and victim support to mitigate the emotional impact on affected families.

Justice delayed and the search for closure

Four years after Paulina Dembska was killed, her family says that time has not softened their grief. Instead, the absence of a final judicial outcome has left them in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

Their public statements have remained measured and focused on accountability rather than retribution. They continue to call for a conclusion that upholds the rule of law while recognising the profound harm caused by the crime.

As proceedings continue, the case remains a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by justice systems when dealing with extreme violence, mental health considerations and public expectation. For Dembska’s family, the central message remains clear: justice delayed continues to feel like justice denied.

Conclusion

Four years after the killing of Paulina Dembska, the case continues to stand as a stark reminder of the human cost of violent crime and the profound impact of prolonged judicial proceedings on victims’ families. While legislative reforms and public memorials reflect a broader societal response, they do not substitute for the sense of closure that can only come from a concluded legal process grounded in due process and accountability.

For Dembska’s relatives, the passage of time has not diminished their loss nor resolved their unanswered questions. Their repeated calls have remained measured and focused on justice rather than anger, underscoring the importance of a system that balances legal safeguards with timely resolution. As proceedings continue, the case highlights the need for sustained institutional attention to victim support, judicial efficiency and public confidence in the rule of law.

Until a final determination is reached, Paulina Dembska’s name remains closely associated with ongoing discussions about safety, accountability and reform in Malta. For her family, justice remains not an abstract principle but a necessary step toward dignity, remembrance and the possibility of healing.

FAQs

What happened to Paulina Dembska?
Paulina Dembska was raped and murdered in Independence Gardens in Sliema on January 2, 2022.

Why has the court case taken so long?
The proceedings involve complex psychiatric assessments and legal considerations related to criminal responsibility.

Who is the accused in the case?
Abner Aquilina has been charged in connection with the killing and has pleaded not guilty.

What did court experts conclude?
Court appointed experts concluded that the accused was legally insane at the time of the crime.

Has the case led to legal changes?
Yes, Malta introduced harsher penalties for femicide following the killing.

What concerns has the family raised?
The family has expressed frustration over delays and concerns about limited support for victims’ relatives.

Was a public memorial created?
A red bench dedicated to victims of femicide was inaugurated near the site of the killing in 2024.

Have European leaders commented?
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has publicly called for justice in the case.

Are there other legal proceedings involving the accused?
In 2025, the accused faced separate allegations related to an incident while in custody.

What does the family continue to seek?
The family continues to call for accountability and a timely conclusion to the judicial process.