These are the main news from Malta’s news portals.
The Greco report on Malta published today condemns inaction against top government officials and describes an ‘impotent’ police force. MaltaToday says that the report by the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body warns that the office of the Prime Minister carries too many powers.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia is demanding an urgent debate on the Greco report in parliament. Net News quotes Delia who said that a wider discussion on how to strengthen democracy is needed.
A study is being conducted to assess the feasibility of a helicopter link between Malta and Gozo, reports The Times. Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that, if introduced, the service would not be operation by Air Malta since it falls outside the carrier’s strategy.
A report by an international anti-crime network shows that withdrawal of rescue missions in the Mediterranean resulted in less migrant crossings but more clandestine arrivals. The Shift News quotes the report which describes the migrant situation in Libya as a crisis.
A plan to rob a bank in Żejtun was foiled when branch staff noticed a hooded man approaching. LovinMalta says the 76-year-old fled the scene but was later caught in the area carrying a plastic gun.
One News says that a man has been sentenced for 12 years in jail for stabbing six people with a knife in Paceville in 2015. 25-year-old Ehab Zorgani was found guilty of attempted murder of a fellow Libyan and a Dutch.
Only 100 of the 1,750 officers of the Armed Forces are women, reports Newsbook. Interior Minister Michael Farrugia said in parliament that half of them are gunners and the woman in the highest rank is a lieutenant colonel.
TVM reports on a five-car collision in Santa Luċija Avenue, close to the Addolorata Cemetery in Paola. The road was closed off and police are urging motorists to avoid the area in the direction leading towards Valletta.
The Referees Association is taking action against the Football Association after three deadlines for the revision of fees were missed. The Malta Independent says that referees will not officiate matches starting this Friday.
