Latest Update
Times of Malta says that Daphne Caruana Galizia’s son was cross examined by Yorgen Fenech’s lawyers in Thursday’s compilation of evidence, shortly after the former bodyguard at the Office of the Prime Minister faced a grilling.
MaltaToday reports that holiday inequality is lower in Malta than in most EU countries, but the gap of holidaymakers between those at risk of poverty and others, increased slightly over 2010
Newsbook reports that the 30-year-old inmate who attempted suicide at the so-called Corradino Correctional Facility was kept in solitary confinement for at least 10 days, TV host and journalist Peppi Azzopardi said.
TVM reports that a Gozitan priest who was found guilty of molesting a 13-year-old girl had his request to be given back his teaching warrant turned down.
Mid-Day Briefing
Covid-19 Update: There were 51 new cases registered in the past 24 hours. Malta registered 118 recoveries as active cases stood at 741. 3,417 swab tests were taken. The average age of yesterday’s cases was 41. 42 Covid positive patients are currently hospitalised, four of whom are in the ITU.
Dapne Caruana Galizia’s son cross-examined by Yorgen Fenech’s defence: During a court sitting, Daphne Caruana Galizia’s son Matthew said that the number one motive for his investigations after his mother’s murder was the Electrogas project. He was asked a number of questions as he was being cross-examined by the defence of the case. The defence said it was not interested in the source but asked: “Did you or not give keywords to source to cause Electrogas leak?”The court authorised the witness to choose not to reply. The magistrate says that witness was under cross examination and the court did not deem question relevant to the proceedings.
MaltaAir to fly to Tel Aviv, Lisbon and Parma: MaltaAir, the Ryanair subsidiary, is to operate flights linking Malta to Tal Aviv, Lisbon and Parma. David O’Brien, the company’s CEO, said that the new services will be added to the winter routes announced recently, pushing the airline’s route network in Malta to 62, with 154 flights every week. Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo welcomed the new routes.
Updated 0850 – Newspaper Review
The Malta Business Weekly speaks with Gozo Tourism Association CEO Joe Muscat who said that increased accessibility between the islands with the fast ferries and a proposed airlink would make a fixed tunnel unnecessary.
The Independent says that the government is working on a nationwide regulatory framework for caravans. Minister for Local Councils Jose Herrera said the rules will strike a balance between the needs of towns and caravan owners.
The Times reports that an oil portrait of former Prime Minster Joseph Muscat was added to the Cabinet room along with paintings of other past premiers. The unannounced work was commissioned to artist Patrick Dalli.
L-Orizzont speaks with the coordinator of the vaccination programme Jorgen Souness who expressed confidence that Malta will reach its vaccination goals. He said that the spontaneous jabs offered by mobile clinics are registering a success.
In-Nazzjon says that people vented their anger on social media after more households experienced power cuts on Wednesday, leaving them without electricity on a day of intense heat.
The Times reveals that Malta paid almost €300,000 to repatriate 579 students following new coronavirus restrictions this summer. Two flights carried students stranded in Malta while another three were chartered for those infected with the virus.
The Malta Business Weekly quotes Culture Minister Jose Herrera that stand-up events may be allowed again soon. The minister said that other incentives are being planned for the arts and entertainment sector besides funding schemes.
The Independent says that the Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected claims that the appointment of a former prison board member to a panel reviewing the facility’s procedures creates potential conflict of interest.
In-Nazzjon says that campaign material by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli confirmed that she will contest the 11th District in the upcoming election, causing unrest among other candidates from the region.
L-Orizzont reports that NGO Repubblika is calling on PN MP Adrian Delia to step down if claims by Lovin Malta that the former party leader sent messages to businessman Yorgen Fenech are verified. Delia denied the allegations and filed a libel against the news portal.
Morning Briefing
I am doing my duty with a clear conscience – President Vella
“As head of state I can assure you that I am doing my duty with a clear conscience” – These were the words of President George Vella in a reaction to an inquiry report which found the state responsible for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. While indicating that his Office was working to ensure the recommendations of a public inquiry into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia would be implemented, he refused calls to give an answer on whether he should shoulder any responsibility.
“I have already made my reaction publicly to the report,” the president said, referring to a Facebook post.
Covid working group planning schools re-opening
A COVID action working group bringing together schools, union representatives and health professionals is holding constant discussions ahead of schools reopening in September, Education Minister Justyne Caruana said. She added that authorities were in a better position this year given the successful roll out of the vaccination programme among teachers and children aged 12 and over. “We are in a better position in comparison to last year since now we have a year’s experience and a vaccination programme for teachers, staff and also children,” Caruana said. However, she would not say whether the mitigation measures in place over the past year will be maintained or amended.
Covid-19 Update: 87 new cases of coronavirus were reported by health authorities on Wednesday, with 137 patients recovering. Active cases continued to decline and now stand at 808. 3466 swab tests were taken on Tuesday.
CDE News
