Updated 1110
Young Syrian charged with possessing terrorist-linked material
A 22-year-old Syrian, whose name cannot be disclosed by court order due to ongoing investigations, was brought before the Court on charges of possessing extremist material linked to terrorism. The Prosecution explained that the anti-terrorism squad arrested a man living with the accused on charges of financing terrorism the previous morning. During the arrest, police discovered that the accused was residing in Malta illegally and was in possession of a significant amount of extremist material related to terrorism. The accused pleaded not guilty. Defense lawyers requested that the Court recommend the Chief Immigration Officer to issue a temporary permit to regularize the man’s status, but the Prosecution objected. The Court noted that such a request could only be considered later during the inquiry and evidence compilation.(TVM)
Six children in hospital after van collides with truck
Six children and their supervisor were hospitalized following a road accident in Zejtun on Wednesday, according to police reports. A police spokesperson stated that the collision involved a DAF bowser truck, driven by a 20-year-old man from St. Paul’s Bay, and a Ford Transit minivan, driven by a 69-year-old man from Zebbug. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Triq il-Hobbejza and Triq il-Marrubja. Police confirmed that none of the individuals taken to the hospital sustained serious injuries. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Identita’ says illegal use of addresses should be reported to the police
ID card agency Identita’ said that property owners who receive mail addressed to individuals who are not residing in their properties should report it to the nearest police station. The agency as referring to what it said were “claims” about mail addressed to foreigners which are being delivered where the recipients do not reside. In its statement, Identità said that that there may be various reasons why these incidents occur. “These include the lessee failing to notify the agency that he has changed his residence, the same lessee failing to notify private companies and service providers who have provided them with their details by changing address, the property owner failing to submit the De-Registration Form, or persons are deceptively and illegally making use of the address.” (The Malta Independent)
Reform requires masons to renew licence every two years
Newly introduced construction reforms will require masons to renew their licenses every two years and will empower the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to revoke these licenses. Godwin Agius, chairman of the newly established masons’ license committee within the BCA, announced on Wednesday that the BCA now has the authority to issue, revoke, or temporarily suspend masons’ licenses. Agius explained that this would lead to more effective regulation of the construction sector. Another significant change is that contractor licenses will now be issued with specific conditions. The BCA has the authority to address infractions if these conditions are violated, and while conditions may not be universally defined, the authority can set specific conditions based on sector activities. (Maltatoday)
Woman stabbed in St Julian’s
Police are searching for a man who allegedly attacked a 25-year-old woman with a broken bottle on the beach in St Julian’s on Wednesday. According to a police statement, they were informed around 10am that a woman had been injured near Wilġa Street in St Julian’s, close to Dragonara. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 25-year-old Colombian woman living in Sliema was with a friend on the beach when a man approached them, leading to a commotion. The man brandished a broken bottle and seriously injured the woman, police said. A medical team arrived on the scene and transported the woman to Mater Dei Hospital for further treatment. Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia has appointed experts to assist in an inquiry. (Times of Malta)
