The European Court of Justice has declared as illegal an increased license fee for used cars registered before 2009. EU law prohibits taxes that show favoritism towards domestic products over imports from other member states. The European Commission brought the issue before the European Court of Justice to determine whether Malta had violated EU laws. The court concluded that taxes imposed on second-hand cars registered before 2009 are not in line with EU laws. While Malta argued that the licence was levied on cars according to carbon emissions and size, Court accepted the Commission’s argument that an unfavourable tax on imported goods was prohibited.(The Malta Independent)
Libyan sentenced for 34 years on Sta Lucia murder
A 41-year-old man received a 34-year prison sentence after admitting guilt in the murder of Victor McKeon in a Sta Luċija apartment four years ago. Samir Almiri Libyan national who had previously shared a residence with the victim, was extradited from Morocco for trial and entered a guilty plea as part of a plea bargain. The lifeless body of McKeon, 62, was discovered on the bathroom floor, entirely covered in garbage bags. He had a severe head laceration likely inflicted by a sharp and pointed object, leading to his demise through suffocation. (Times of Malta)
NGO slams plans for new Paceville junction
Moviment Graffitti has advocated for a redesign of a new road junction to Paceville, asserting that the presented renders by Infrastructure Malta reflect an outdated approach to traffic management and a car-centric perspective that neglects public transport considerations. The plans outlined by Infrastructure Malta for a new road junction in Paceville, situated at the convergence of Swieqi and St Julian’s, are estimated to necessitate up to €50 million in public funds. Moviment Graffitti expressed serious concerns about the initial plans and renders, characterizing them as yet another car-centric project that fails to address long-term traffic issues and does not meet the needs of anyone beyond car users. (Maltatoday)
