Updated 1200
PM writes to Chief Justice, urges closure of Sofia investigation
Prime Minister Robert Abela has once again written to the Chief Justice, requesting the magistrate overseeing the investigation into the death of Jean Paul Sofia to expedite the process. This letter follows a similar one sent last April. The second letter was sent a day after the government, in Parliament, voted against a motion calling for a public inquiry into the tragedy. Instead, the government supported a motion it presented, urging for a prompt conclusion of the magisterial inquiry. In his communication with the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for the magisterial inquiry to be finalized as soon as possible.
In the letter, the Prime Minister stated that “Parliament reiterated the call for these cases to be given top priority, sending a clear message to society that incidents like these are unacceptable and that everyone should be held accountable for their actions.” The Prime Minister did not mention the government’s rejection of the Opposition’s motion for a public inquiry. (The Malta Independent)
Social media reacts, Youngster’s mother vows to fight on
The voting outcome led to a disturbance in the Strangers’ Gallery, with members of the deceased youngster shouting towards the Members of Parliament. As a result, the Speaker temporarily suspended the session, and law enforcement personnel were observed intervening to remove the disruptive individuals. Sofia’s mother, Isabelle Bonnici, vouched to keep up with her fight to seek justice for her son. The outcome of the vote has dominated social media on Thursday morning, with numerous individuals, including those affiliated with the Labour party, expressing criticism towards the government’s stance against the public inquiry.
Parliament approves transfer of Sliema seafront land to Fortina
Parliament has officially approved the transfer of Sliema seafront land to the Fortina Group. The group had already constructed a lido in front of its hotel on the site and has intentions to establish a yacht marina there. Labour MPs supported a motion endorsing the land transfer, while the Opposition voted against it. The matter of the land transfer was previously discussed within the parliamentary National Audit Office Accounts Committee, where it was revealed that Fortina had already occupied the site and even carried out land reclamation from the sea. Economy Minister Silvio Schembri defended Fortina’s actions and requested the committee’s approval to overlook the legal violations, along with a €70,000 fine, in order to proceed with the formal land transfer. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Labour defeats call for independent inquiry into Sofia’s death
An opposition motion demanding an impartial public inquiry into the fatal incident of Jean Paul Sofia at a construction site was rejected in parliament on Wednesday. Instead, the government proposed an amended version that omitted any mention of a public inquiry and emphasized the need for a prompt resolution to the ongoing magisterial inquiry regarding the tragic event. The voting outcome led to a disturbance in the Strangers’ Gallery, with certain individuals directing insults towards the Members of Parliament. As a result, the Speaker temporarily suspended the session, and law enforcement personnel were observed intervening to remove the disruptive individuals. (The Malta Independent)
EEZ to create a renewable energy hub – Abela
Addressing Parliament during a discussion on a new bill proposing the setting up of an exclusive economic zone some 12 nautical miles offshore from the country, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the proposed legislation will transform Malta into a center for renewable energy production. Abela highlighted that the expansion of Malta’s economic territory will be achieved without the need for further land development. He also clarified that although he recognizes the importance of land reclamation for the country, the bill does not propose such measures. “Through the installation of renewable energy sources, primarily wind turbines and solar panels, we will be working towards producing clean energy for our country to meet our renewable goals and, why not, move it along to the rest of Europe”, the PM said. (Times of Malta)
Two Maccabi fans given suspended after Champions League fracas
Two supporters of Maccabi Haifa have plead guilty to their involvement in an incident that occurred at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali during a match against Ħamrun Spartans on Tuesday. Saleh Jawamis, 26, and Shachar Dekel, 23, who are Israeli citizens, faced charges including unauthorized use of dangerous pyrotechnics, participation in a riot, causing damage to the Centenary Stadium, threatening or throwing objects at individuals within a sports venue, and engaging in abusive behavior. The court handed down a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, along with a €300 fine for each individual. Additionally, they are prohibited from entering any sports facility for the next 12 months. (Maltatoday)
