These are the news from Malta as reported by Malta’s news portals.
The possibility of Air Malta commencing flights to various cities in India was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposal was discussed in the context of Air Malta’s expansion plans.TVMreports that the meeting between the two PMs took place in Gujarat State at the start of a summit meeting on investment and commercial fairs. At the summit opening Dr Muscat said that without entering into the merits of what is happening in the United Kingdom, a number of Indian companies are finding Malta as an ideal alternative to have an operational base in Europe.
The court of criminal appeal handed a suspended sentence to a man who had been acquitted of charges by a judgement delivered last year. The Times describes the overruling as a landmark judgement. Brandon Bartolo, 28, was found guilty of inciting racial hatred for targeting Maltese Muslim campaigner Sara Ezabe in comments on Facebook.
Health Minister Chris Fearne confirmed reports that cases of swine flu have broken out. Newsbook says that the virus was contracted in the community and that patients are being treated at Mater Dei hospital.
Meanwhile, Net News says that another 18 cases were reported at St Vincent de Paule residence for the elderly. The website says that there is currently a shortage of wards at the hospital.
A man charged with the murder of Shannon Mak in August appeared in court today as his landlady testified that he had only started renting her apartment in Santa Venera close to where Mak was found dead. The Malta Independent said that Jelle Rijpma, 22, was a former boyfriend and colleague of Shannon Mak. MaltaToday says the court authorised glass shards found on the scene to be sent for DNA testing.
Malta lost one of the first female brass band members after Mary Zarb from Qormi passed away. One News says that Zarb was one of the first three women to form part of a brass band when she joined Għaqda Mużikali San Ġorġ Martri.
A car accident in Għaxaq has left a 63-year-old man with serious injuries after he was run over. TVM says that he was rushed to hospital by ambulance and certified as in danger of dying. The car involved was driven by a 64-year-old man.
The Shift News is currently unavailable. The website has recently reported a series of “well-funded, professional” cyber-attacks.
Homegrown tennis stars Helene Pellicano and Francesca Curmi are participating in the Australia Open Junior Championships this weekend. LovinMalta says that the two up-and-coming athletes, both 16, made it through the international rankings.
