Single Market should consider smaller states’ needs – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed at an EU leaders’ meeting that the Single Market should not be uniform and should factor in the effects on smaller peripheral states. This was part of discussions during the summit’s second day, primarily centered on the Single Market and competitiveness. Abela emphasized the necessity for fairness in the Single Market, meeting all Europeans’ aspirations. He also pointed out the importance of cutting bureaucracy to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, a goal agreed upon in the meeting. (Times of Malta)
Europol expert testifies in Yorgen Fenech case
Legal proceedings against Yorgen Fenech, a central figure in the Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination case, progressed with key testimonies from expert witnesses. Martin Bajada, a court-appointed expert, presented a thorough 106-page report on data analysis from Caruana Galizia’s cloud storage, ensuring source confidentiality as per court mandates. Senior Europol analyst Jean Christophe Belle, via videolink, shared insights from a crucial report securely held by Europol, highlighting its significance in the investigation and explaining the differences between Europol and police reports in court proceedings (Maltatoday)
New report sheds light on racism, lack of safeguards in detention centres
Malta faces renewed criticism for its detention practices concerning asylum seekers, with concerns about the prison-like conditions in detention centres. An unpublished report highlights ongoing poor conditions at Hal Far Initial Reception Centre and Safi, particularly for unaccompanied minors awaiting age assessments or appeal procedures. Andrew Azzopardi, a broadcaster, released excerpt revealing persistent fundamental problems, including a carceral regime and insufficient safeguards, especially for vulnerable individuals. A delegation from the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) visited Malta to directly assess the situation. (Newsbook)
