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Sealed Packages from Prison Detailed in IVF Case Against Muscat and Tanti
Valletta, Malta – Testimony in the case against veteran doctor Josie Muscat, his partner Marisa Gallo, and Erin Tanti revealed details of sealed packages collected from Corradino Correctional Facility and delivered to St James Hospital last November.The proceedings, held before Magistrate Leonard Caruana, center on allegations of an unlawful in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure conducted in violation of malta’s embryo protection laws.
Raymond Agius, an estate facilitator at St James Hospital, told the court he twice collected sealed bags from the prison at Muscat’s request. On both occasions, including one saturday morning, Agius received the packages from an unidentified individual at the prison gate and transported them directly to the Sliema hospital without opening or inquiring about their contents. Prosecutors have stated no criminal charges will be filed against Agius, who has been employed at the hospital for approximately ten years and is acquainted with Muscat. He testified he frequently ran errands for the doctor and considered the requests unremarkable.
The court also heard from Christine Schembri deguara,a fertility consultant and lead specialist at Hope Clinic. She outlined the stringent regulations governing IVF treatments in Malta,explaining that Marisa Gallo consulted with her on October 27,2024,expressing a desire to become a mother at age 40.
Schembri Deguara testified that Gallo indicated her partner was incarcerated but did not disclose details of his conviction or sentence. She emphasized that IVF treatment necessitates comprehensive assessments of both partners – medical, psychological, and social – alongside explicit authorization from the Embryo Protection Authority. She stated that treatment cannot proceed without such approval. While imprisonment does not automatically disqualify parenthood,she added,both international and Maltese protocols prohibit IVF for individuals convicted of offenses involving harm to minors.
During the session,the Correctional Agency requested to join the case as a parte civile,a request opposed by the defense.
The case has been adjourned to December 15, 2025.
