Updated 1100
Legal reforms should serve justice not impunity – Daphne Foundation: The Daphne Foundation criticised the government’s proposed legal reforms on magisterial inquiries, urging they prioritise justice over impunity. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard’s bill seeks to amend the criminal code, potentially restricting citizens’ ability to request inquiries into alleged crimes directly. This follows Prime Minister Robert Abela’s call to curb “abuse” after such inquiries were frequently requested by lawyer Jason Azzopardi. Abela also aims to shield civil servants from personal legal accountability. The Foundation warned this could enable official misconduct, undermining public accountability. They noted key corruption cases, including the Vitals/Steward deal, arose from citizen-initiated inquiries. Reforms should enhance justice, not protect abuse of power, which facilitated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. (Times of Malta)
AI research will lead to new discoveries in medical sector: The University of Malta has launched a research program aiming to position Malta as a leader in the AI sector. The initiative incorporates advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Cryptography, with potential applications in engineering, technology, and medicine. Researcher Andre Xuereb highlighted the project’s potential for groundbreaking discoveries. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the project’s importance in enhancing Malta’s global presence in technology. He praised the partnership between the University and major companies like Amazon, IBM, and Airbus, calling it an “honour” to witness such progress in innovation and collaboration. (Maltatoday)
‘We must be vigilant and curb the rising waves of excessive nationalism’, President says: President Myriam Spiteri Debono of Malta urged vigilance against nationalism and imperialist ambitions to secure lasting peace. In her New Year’s address to the Diplomatic Corps, she highlighted Malta’s pivotal role in 2024, including contributions to diplomacy in the Middle East, Ukraine, the UN Security Council, and chairing the OSCE. Stressing Malta’s neutrality as a foundation for peace, she emphasised the nation’s commitment to promoting international law, economic development, and human rights. President Spiteri Debono outlined Malta’s priorities during its upcoming Council of Europe presidency: child protection, combating discrimination, empowering youth, and safeguarding human rights. She praised Foreign Minister Ian Borg and urged continued diplomatic collaboration for global peace, stability, and mutual progress. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Former Head of Police AML unit charged with corruption and money-laundering
Ray Aquilina, the former head of the Police’s anti-money laundering unit, has been charged with corruption, perjury, leaking official secrets, and money laundering. Yorgen Fenech, who is also accused of complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, faces charges of complicity in the corruption of a public official and money laundering. Notary Mario Bugeja was also charged with money laundering. All three individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ray Aquilina was initially arrested in 2021 as part of an investigation into government and police officials suspected of leaking sensitive information related to the Caruana Galizia murder investigation.
Former Labour President to be co-opted to Parliament
Former Labour Party President Ramona Attard is set to be co-opted to Parliament. Attard will take the seat vacated by Randolph Debattista, who resigned as an MP to assume an ambassadorial role. In August, Attard announced her resignation as PL President, stating she was “ready for a new challenge” and chose not to contest any role during the party’s internal elections in September. She was among several senior PL officials who stepped back from their posts. (The Malta Independent)
Asset Recovery Office recovers €9.5 million in assets
In 2023, the Asset Recovery Office recovered €9.5 million in assets, including property, luxury vehicles, boats, and bank accounts. According to the Office’s annual report, drug-related crimes remain the most common, followed by money laundering, human trafficking, bribery, and the misuse of electronic equipment. Chief Executive Anton Sevasta explained that asset recovery stems from court-issued freezing orders. He noted the evolving nature of crime, particularly cybercrime, which presents new challenges. The Office has also introduced a crypto wallet to securely store confiscated digital assets.
