Thousands attend annual President’s Solidarity Fun Run
Thousands have attended the annual President’s Solidarity Fun Run following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President George Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition leader Bernard Grech and a number of MPs from both sides of the House were present during the event. (MaltaToday)
Doctors’ conference to deliberate on terminations, in proposed tweak to law
The government is considering introducing tweaking its proposed amendment to Malta’s abortion ban, by introducing a clinical conference of two or three doctors on decisions requiring the termination of a pregnancy when the mother’s life or health is in danger. The addition of a conference of doctors, which would include the mother’s family doctor apart from hospital clinical chairs, would add a layer of deliberation over decisions to terminate a foetal life when this endangers the life and health of the mother, just as in cases for the removal of life support. (MaltaToday)
Police arrest alleged shop thief in Valletta
A man was arrested by police on Saturday in connection with a theft from a shop in Valletta. The police said on Sunday morning that the man had allegedly stolen some electronic equipment from a shop in Republic Street in Valletta, a theft which they were informed of on Saturday. After security camera footage of the theft was analysed, police began patrolling the city, and while closer to Triton Square, noticed the man who had been identified as the alleged thief. (Malta Independent)
Government expresses support to anti-SLAPP legislation
Justice Minister Jonathan Attard has reaffirmed Malta’s strong position in favor of adequate safeguards for journalists from judicial proceedings which are manifestly unfounded or abusive. Addressing at an EU Justice Ministers meeting, Attard spoke on the draft law submitted to the Maltese Parliament to safeguard journalists and other members of the media from SLAPP measures and explained that once the committee of experts on the media completes the process of consultation, the government will be moving to the next phase in the legislative process. “More concretely, we reiterate our technical and political support for the anti-SLAPP Directive and appeal against the choice of a restrictive approach because such an approach undermines the efficiency and effectiveness of the future Directive”, he added.
Former FATF President urges Malta to strengthen fight against financial crime
Malta must continue to strength its fight against financial crime, the former Financial Action Task Force (FATF) president has warned. In comments to The Times of Malta, Marcus Pleyer said he has seen this happen in “many countries” after an FATF evaluation. Pleyer held the global anti-money laundering watchdog’s rotating presidency during Malta’s one year spent on the FATF’s grey list. “The process made Malta a much better place when it comes to fighting money laundering. People in key authorities have a much better understanding of the risks, and have better structures in place to detect, investigate and disrupt illicit financial flows”, Pleyer said.
Electronic tagging to be used on domestic violence perpetrators People who have a protection order issued against them over domestic violence cases will be electronically tagged, junior minister for reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said. According to Church portal Newsbook, Buttigieg said an electronic tagging system will be used in cases where a person has a protection order issued against them to grant victims greater protection.
