Update 1300
PM Abela criticises insensitive and shameful decision to grant prison leave to Daphne Caruana Galizia’s killer
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela described the decision to give prison release for a few hours of one of the men convicted of killing Daphne Caruana Galizia as insensitive shameful and also blamed the law courts for it. That decision, by the criminal court, was insensitive to the family of the victim and insensitive to society, Abela said. “Through a decree, the court decided to let a convicted criminal, who was responsible for one of the worst murders in the history of our country out of prison to attend a party. This also sent a wrong signal to those who had successfully investigated the case. Speaking in Għaxaq, the Prime Minister also referred to the court decision about the concession of the hospitals. He insisted that Steward Healthcare will not make any financial gain. “Once the concession is fully terminated, I will fight to make sure they receive no compensation from it.” Back in 2019, former minister Konrad Mizzi had given Steward Healthcare an “escape clause” that turns any termination of its concession into a government default. (Times of Malta / Malta Today)
PN Leader says that PM is an accomplish in fraudulent Vitals Hospitals deal
Robert Abela, Chris Fearne, Clyde Caruana and the other government MPs were accomplices in the ‘fraudulent’ Vitals hospitals deal because they continued to defend it and vote money for it year after year, Bernard Grech said on Sunday. Addressing a political event themed ‘A victory for Malta’ (Rebħa għal Malta) at PN headquarters in Pietà, the Opposition Leader said Prime Minister Robert Abela and his government could not continue to dodge responsibility because not only was Abela a consultant for the government for several years during the contract, but his government repeatedly defended the contract and continued to allocate funds for it every year. The event was also addressed by former leader Adrian Delia and party health spokesperson Stephen Spiteri. In his speech on Sunday, Grech was especially adamant about the need for the party to unite and grow stronger in the fight for justice, arguing that it was only when people worked together that the PN could move ahead. “Don’t let anyone divide us because that is what they want. They want us divided so they can reign and rob the country,”
Car crash in Marsascala
A pedestrian and a car passenger were seriously injured on Saturday night when a car mounted a pavement and crashed into an electricity pole in Marsascala. The police said officers on patrol at St Anthony Street at about midnight came across the car on the pavement, with several people needing help.
Morning Briefing
Caruana Galizia family, Metsola, Grech share disgust as Daphne killer attends party
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola expressed disgust at pictures released on Saturday that showed convicted killer George Degiorgio at a baptism party. “Daphne can no longer enjoy time with her sons and play with her grandchildren. She cannot speak to her husband, her sisters or her parents. She cannot write her column. She cannot upload her blog. But the man who murdered her can party and pose for photographs with impunity. That is not justice. That is the opposite”, Mesola said. PN leader Bernard Grech urged the Maltese to wake up saying that Malta deserves better. “This is Malta under Robert Abela. Wake up. We all want better for Malta. This is the moment that everyone needs to forget their differences. We’re not perfect but united we can present a stronger front against this rottenness. Malta deserves better. You deserve better,” Grech said. Strong statements expressing anger and disgust were also made by the Caruana Galizia family. (Times of Malta)
Former PM insists no corruption on Vitals
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Saturday that the court judgment rescinding the hospitals deal made no reference to corruption. In a Facebook post, Muscat said that the reference to fraud was related to third parties, not the government or himself. The reason why the judge ruled to annul to contract was because, in his opinion, they had not carried out what had been promised, Muscat said. Meanwhile, Former fabour MP Evarist Bartolo has refuted the claim by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat that all decisions taken on the VGH hospitals deal were discussed and decided on by his Cabinet. (The Malta Independent)
Police did their best to protect Bernice Cilia – Assistant Commissioenr
Assistant Police Commissioner Dennis Theuma has stated that the Police did its best to protect Bernice Cilia and other victims of domestic violence. When asked about Judge Valenzia’s criticism, Theuma said that two new hubs will be opened in Santa Luċija and the Msida Police Station to offer better help to victims of domestic violence. He said that the number of Police officials dedicated to these cases will also be increased, to avoid “burnout” for the officials that spend days on end working on these cases. Theuma was speaking on 103 FM. (Newsbook)
