Updated 1710 Newsportal Review
The Times of Malta leads with of a man who was chased by the police in a dramatic incident on Wednesday. He faced a string of 18 charges when he was taken to court, including injuring a police officer. Keith Cremona, 34, of Valletta, did not request bail and was remanded in custody when he was charged on Thursday.
In a separate case, covered by Maltatoday, lawyers for a British youth arraigned in court in connection with an assault on a taxi driver in which brass knuckles were allegedly used, have cast doubt on the accuracy of the charges against him, saying that the weapon alleged to have been used had not been found and pointing out that the accused had also been injured.
The Malta Independent reports that Prime Minister Robert Abela said Thursday he wants to see the courts working in a more efficient manner and in a friendlier way with their clients, which are the people. Interviewed on One Radio, Abela spoke about the reforms carried out in the justice system, but said there is always more room for improvement.
Newsbook says that Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri insisted that the Armed Forces of Malta’s conduct in search-and-rescue operations was being unfairly tarnished by “those who work with traffickers,” in a clear swipe at NGOs which echoes rhetoric long used by right-wing politicians in neighbouring Italy.
Updated 1235
Concern in Government as President fails to sign IVF bill: President George Vella has not yet signed amendments to the IVF law that permit embryo testing because he is reportedly uneasy with the reform. Two weeks after the revisions were passed in parliament, sources quoted by The Times of Malta said the delay is beginning to worry cabinet officials. It has also been reported that Vella might not sign the bill himself and instead leave it to his stand-in when he is next overseas. The IVF bill is considered as a flagship of Robert Abela’s administration.
Justice Minister launches investigation into bribery acquittal: Charles Mercieca and Gianluca Caruana Curran’s attempted bribery acquittal will be the subject of an independent investigation launched by Justice Minister Jonathan Attard. According to reports, Attard chose Joseph Azzopardi, a former chief justice, to head the investigation. They were cleared after the magistrate ruled the relevant offence was not properly indicated by the Attorney General. In a statement on Thursday PN said that government is doing its utmost to cover up for the Attorney General’s shortcomings.
Covid-19 Update: The health authorities reported 204 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, with two more patients dying. The active case tally has dropped to 4,785.
Morning Briefing
Gozo airfield studies concluded
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced that the regional impact assessment process, studies and public consultation on the proposed Gozo Rural Airfield project have been concluded. Camilleri said that the Ministry for Gozo, through the Regional Development Authority for Gozo, proposed this project to explore the possibility of turning the dilapidated site of the Gozo Heliport into an airfield. “This proposal is an electoral promise that this government is determined to see through, especially now that all studies show that the benefits related to the project as proposed, outweigh its impacts”, Camilleri said. (Maltatoday)
€60,000 stolen in 90-second Birkirkara hold-up
€60,000 in cash were stolen from a Birkirkara garage in a mere 90 seconds, a Court heard. The hold up took place in May, when three hooded men, held another man at gun point and drove off with a stolen van. Two of the suspects, Aaron Cassar, 42 of Birzebbuġa and Joseph Xuereb, 59 of Marsa were arraigned last week, while the third is still being sought. (Times of Malta)
Covid-19 Update: Health authorities reported 219 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, while 649 recovered. The active case tally has declined to 5,228.
