Maksar gang found guilty of Caruana Galizia, Chircop murders
Four men — George Degiorgio, Jamie Vella, Adrian Agius, and Robert Agius — have been found guilty in connection with the murders of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and lawyer Carmel Chircop. Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were convicted of supplying the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia in Bidnija. Vella and Degiorgio were also found guilty of murdering Chircop, while Adrian Agius was convicted of commissioning Chircop’s murder over a financial dispute. Robert Agius was acquitted of involvement in Chircop’s case. Vella and Degiorgio were also found guilty of illegal firearm possession during Chircop’s murder. The Caruana Galizia verdicts passed with an 8-1 jury majority, while the Chircop-related verdicts ranged from 7-2 to 6-3. The verdict followed a six-week trial with 157 witnesses. Key testimony came from Vincent Muscat (“il-Koħħu”), a self-confessed hitman who cooperated with prosecutors in exchange for leniency. (The Malta Independent)
Plans for massive Ta’ Qali sports village withdrawn
Plans for a massive sports village outside the development zone in Ta’ Qali have been withdrawn. The 207,000m² project, partly on the former Flower Power site, included football and rugby pitches, a tennis club, rehab clinic and sports hotel. The Planning Authority case officer had recommended refusal, citing missing data needed by the Environment and Resources Authority and the lack of a traffic impact study. A PA hearing saw architect Edwin Mintoff request more time, arguing the project followed the Ta’ Qali Action Plan and saying he had been working on it for 21 years. However, the PA board chair said two decades was more than enough to provide the required documents. With board members showing no support for an extension, the architect withdrew the application before a vote. The project faced strong opposition, with 431 public objections and resistance from Moviment Graffitti and the Mosta and Attard local councils. (Times of Malta)
Domestic Violence Commission calls for ethical reporting
The Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence has called for ethical reporting, consistent institutional responses, and better support for victims following two high-profile domestic violence cases. Though not naming names, the statement follows national debate after former footballer Justin Haber was found guilty of threatening his sister, and Robert Aquilina, ex-Repubblika president, was questioned by police over a report against him. The commission warned against dismissing such cases as “family matters,” stressing the serious and complex harm abuse causes. It also raised concern over irresponsible media and social media commentary that exposed victims or downplayed violence, saying this deters reporting. (Maltatoday)
