Govt convenes committee to implement Sofia inquiry recommendations
Two days after its establishment, the government committee entrusted with implementing recommendations from a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia convened for its inaugural meeting on Friday. Led by Glenn Micallef, the head of secretariat for the Prime Minister, the committee was formed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, with a directive to submit reports to the cabinet. The committee is composed of Micallef and four ministers: Justice Minister Jonathan Attard, Planning Minister Clint Camilleri, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri. (Times of Malta)
Man dies at St Peter’s Pool
A 69-year-old man has lost his life after finding himself in difficulty while swimming in St Peter’s Pool. Police received a call for assistance at 1:30pm. Preliminary investigations suggest that the man, a Romanian national, fell into the sea and found himself in difficulty. The Armed Forces of Malta was called on site to assist. Army officials retrieved the man from the sea and brought him to Xatt it-Tiben in Floriana. (Maltatoday)
Comedian says no violent intent in Manche jibe
In court, a stand-up comedian clarified that his intention in a skit, where he humorously targeted Pastor Gordon Manché, was solely to evoke laughter and not to instigate violence or threats against the litigious pastor. During a session in the Sliema district on Friday morning, Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi heard testimonies from both the complainant, Pastor Manché, and the accused, Daniel Xuereb. Xuereb, the third individual questioned by the police and the second comedian facing criminal charges, emphasized that his comedic remarks about Manché and the evangelical Christian organization aimed at generating amusement rather than promoting any form of violence. The organization identifies itself as a Charismatic Pentecostal Bible Based Church. (Independent)
