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Man found dead in Għasri: The body of a 60-year-old man from Victoria was discovered on a field in Għasri earlier this morning. According to The Times of Malta, he has been named locally as Michael Meilak.
Jeremie Camilleri wanted stardom with murder: A Court hearing the compilation of evidence against Camilleri in the Pelin Kaya case, was told that one hour before the incident, he sent his former girlfriend a voice message saying that he was a ‘psychopath’ and ‘a proud criminal’, telling her that the next day he would be on the news. Maltatoday followed the court procedures.
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Man found unconscious and severely injured, police investigate
Police are investigating after a man was found unconscious in the common area of a block of flats in Għaxaq. The 45-year-old reportedly suffered several injuries. The man was found in Triq il-Meril, Għaxaq at about 5.15am. He was hospitalised and is being treated for serious injuries. (Times of Malta)
Kaya murder: Compilation of evidence starts today
The compilation of evidence against Jeremie Camilleri, 33, from Lija starts today as he faces charges of murdering Turkish national Pelin Kaya. Bringing forward the charges earlier this month, a police inspector told the court on arraignment this was “not a simple traffic accident but wilful homicide”. Camilleri killed the woman after driving his car into the 30-year-old and crashing the vehicle into a fast food restaurant in Gżira earlier. Reports indicate that the man was high on drugs at the time of the incident and eyewitnesses reported that he even threw stones at the woman’s body after emerging from his car unscathed. (Maltatoday, TVM)
Greens, Repubblika concerned on PM admission of contact with judiciary
ADPD, The Green Party called for action against the Prime Minister and a magistrate who have spoken about the courts sentencing policy. Abela was quoted as stating yesterday that “he had met a Magistrate who had lamented that when tough sentences are delivered, these are subsequently reduced by the Court of Appeal.” Carmel Cacopardo, the party’s chair argued that it was very worrying that the Prime Minister meets with a member of the judiciary, a magistrate, and discusses with him/her the decisions delivered by the Courts. “This behaviour is censurable, both that of the Prime Minister as well as that of the Magistrate, whose identity is so far unknown”. In a separate statement, NGO Repubblika said it was shocked to hear the PM say that he had spoken to a magistrate about sentencing policy. The Code of Ethics of the judiciary lays down that the executive does not meet with judges and magistrates in private. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
More voters disenchanted from politics – survey
Disenchantment in politics has seemingly gathered pace with an EU-wide survey showing that Malta registered the largest decline in the percentage of Maltese who think it is highly important to vote in national elections. he figure was just 64 per cent in October and November, a drop of 17 percentage points since April and May, according to six-monthly Eurostat surveys carried out during those periods. Malta saw a similar decline in interest in European elections. When asked how important respondents felt it was to vote in European elections, Maltese respondents registered the second largest drop in the union. Less than half of respondents consider voting for their MEPs as important. (Times of Malta)
Security dominates political leaders addresses
Security was high on the agenda of the political leaders on Sunday, following a spate of criminal and traffic accidents across Malta and Gozo. Both parties took each other to task over their efforts, or lack thereof, in tackling safety. Opposition leader Bernard Grech said this apparent lack of security is not because of shortcomings among police but rather among those leading the country and taking decisions. Meanwhile at the Labour Party’s political activity, Prime Minister Robert Abela hit out at the PN for criticising his remarks that the Courts of Malta should consider revising its sentencing policy to deliver harsher penalties on some crimes. (Maltatoday)
No progress in discussions over teachers salary – Minister
Education Minister Clifton Grima said that the promised “significant” wage increase for educators is still “in discussion” but he could not disclose when this will be finalised. Prior to last year’s election, Labour had pledged that educators’ salaries will “significantly” increase if the Labour Party won the election. Grima confirmed that what the government “promised, it will do”. Discussions between the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) and the Education Ministry are taking place to decide on a new sectoral agreement, that will include a better financial package for educators, Grima said. (The Malta Independent)
