The integrity of the judicial system depends on the trust that the public and legal professionals place in the experts called to assist in legal inquiries. When an expert presents themselves as qualified and capable, but lacks the necessary credentials or training, the ramifications are worrying.

The case involving Serbian ‘expert’ Miroslava Milenovic has raised many eyebrows about reliability and accountability in this legal proceeding.

Milenovic was appointed as a forensic accountant by Magistrate Gabriella Vella in the magisterial inquiry into the controversial hospital concession deal. The revelations in court that Milenovic did not possess a valid warrant or the necessary qualifications to conduct such important work have, of course, caused the alarm bells to ring.

According to her own testimony, the Serbian expert was not asked by Magistrate Vella for her credentials when carrying out the forensic accounting work for the inquiry. This entirely jeopardises the validity of her conclusions.

What makes this situation even more strange is that Milenovic herself acknowledged on the witness stand that she did not have a warrant and that she was never asked for one. When questioned by Dr. Joseph Muscat’s defense team regarding her qualifications, Milenovic became defensive, even claiming that the inquiries into her credentials were insulting. She stated that she obtained her accounting qualifications through a course she attended in Belgrade and has over 20 years of experience. However, her credentials and training were never officially verified before she carried out work that was later brought to the Court as evidence in a high-profile case.

When an individual is tasked with assessing complex financial matters in a legal context, their qualifications are crucial. It is essential that courts rely on experts who are not only skilled but also formally recognised for their work, ensuring that their testimony is based on verified expertise and not just…anything.

The situation escalated when Dr. Muscat’s defense team pointed out inconsistencies in Milenovic’s testimony, even noting that she seemed to wink at someone during her responses. This prompted Magistrate Rachel Montebello to ask for an explanation. Milenovic, however, responded dismissively, suggesting that her colleagues who perform similar work should be prepared for how to testify in future cases. This bizarre conduct raises further doubts about her professionalism and suitability as an expert witness.

The people that Magistrates call upon to give expert opinions must meet the necessary standards of training and experience. The public deserves assurance that experts in courtrooms are not only credible, but qualified enough so that their testimony is both reliable and valid, so that ultimately, justice can be served.