What counts as self-defence under Maltese criminal law?

Self-defence is recognised as a valid legal justification under the Criminal Code, Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta, which generally excuses a person from criminal liability for using force, including force that would otherwise constitute an offence, where it was genuinely necessary to repel an actual and unjust attack against themselves or another person, and where the force used was proportionate to the threat actually faced, rather than clearly excessive in relation to the danger involved. Whether your specific actions would qualify as legitimate self-defence depends heavily on the actual sequence of events, including who struck first, what level of threat you reasonably believed you were facing, and whether the force you used in response was proportionate rather than significantly exceeding what was necessary to protect yourself, all of which are factual questions that would need to be carefully examined and, ideally, supported by evidence such as witness accounts or injuries sustained. If you are concerned about potential charges, it is important to get legal advice promptly, ideally before making any detailed statement to police, since how the initial events are described and documented can significantly affect how a self-defence argument is later assessed by the court.