Updated 1245
Influencer fined after joking suggesting burning down a circus
A 22-year-old woman was fined €1,000 after posting a social media video jokingly suggesting burning down a circus at Splash and Fun. Her remarks, made following her frustration over a live duck used in a performance, were ruled by the court as potentially inciting fear among circus staff and visitors. In December 2022, influencer Sarah Micallef Angelica Grech attended a show at the venue, where she protested the use of a duck, reporting the incident to the Police and Animal Welfare Department. Days later, she posted a video on Instagram, asking her dog, “Should we go burn the circus? For legal purposes that’s a joke… maybe.” Patrick Vella, the Splash and Fun director, reported the video, stating it frightened some circus employees. (Malta)
Villa Rosa developers deny revisions will ‘multiply’ project
Developers of the Villa Rosa project deny that local plan revisions aim to “multiply” the project, stating that new plans will limit building heights and add open spaces. On Friday, just before Moviment Graffitti’s planned protest, Garnet Investments reached out to media to address “misunderstandings” about the project. This follows reports that the Planning Authority’s consultation terms mirrored the developers’ initial presentation to Cabinet. Garnet’s owner, Anton Camilleri, acknowledged that the review stemmed from developer-authority discussions, which he calls “normal” for such projects. He clarified that Garnet did not attend any Cabinet meetings and that the Planning Authority set the objectives. (Times of Malta)
Education Commissioner warns against abusive industrial action at MCAST
The Commissioner for Education has warned against “abuse” of industrial action at MCAST, as union directives threaten upcoming graduations. Examiners have withheld assessment details, potentially delaying ceremonies. The Commissioner called it “highly unfair” for students to miss this “once-in-a-lifetime event.” While supporting union rights, the Commissioner argued that actions disproportionately affecting third parties cross into “abuse” in collective bargaining. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Bail for men and woman accused with Hamrun assault
Four men and a woman accused of assaulting two police officers in Ħamrun over a month ago were granted bail on Thursday. Brothers Kurt and Elton Borg, along with Elton’s wife Erika, and co-defendants Christian Mansueto and Redeimen Aquilina, were released under strict conditions. These include signing the bail book twice a week, observing a curfew from 10pm to 6am, and a protection order in favour of the two officers. The Borg brothers were required to deposit €7,500 each and provide a personal guarantee of €15,000. The other three co-defendants must each deposit €3,000 and provide a personal guarantee of €5,000. (The Malta Independent)
Policy on offshore renewable energy launched
The environment ministry has launched the final version of the National Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy Use, marking a step towards its renewable energy goals. Speaking at the National Energy Conference, Minister Miriam Dalli emphasized that offshore energy, including floating wind and solar projects, will be vital in achieving 25% renewable energy by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. The policy designates six strategic zones for offshore renewable development, with one site identified for wind energy projects. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of a sustainable energy mix, focusing on sustainability, energy security, diversification, affordability, and a consumer-centric approach. (Maltatoday)
Women’s Lobby calls for action after police failing revealed
The Malta Women’s Lobby has called for urgent action after a police report on the femicide of Nicolette Ghirxi revealed significant failings in the protection of women in Malta. A police complaints board investigation found no evidence that the police neglected to take reasonable measures to prevent Ghirxi’s murder. The inquiry, led by the Independent Police Complaints Board and chaired by retired Judge Geoffrey Valenzia, assessed the implementation of recommendations from a previous investigation into the murder of Bernice Cassar. It concluded that the police were not at fault, as there was no apparent immediate threat from Ghirxi’s ex-partner, Edward Johnston. (The Times of Malta)
