Attorney General objects to bail in child pornography case

Deputy attorney general Donatella Frendo Dimech heavily objected against the idea of bail being granted to German national Reuben Lee Rudtke, who is requested by the US over child pornography charges.

The defense argued that it was the accused himself who chose to come to Malta, and that he and his wife have guaranteed to the court they will not abscond.

Frendo Dimech said documents presented by the prosecution clearly show that when the German was trusted by the American government, he went back on his word.

Rudtke had removed the monitoring device three days before he was supposed to stand trial, and had fled the country.

"The serious punishment that faces the accused if he is returned to the US and convicted is enough reason for him to abscond again," she said.

Rudtke faces trial by jury in a Californian court over charges  of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri denied bail, stating there is no reason why the court should change the decision it took in the first sitting.

The case will continue on 10 June.