DJ Ryan Spiteri and Woman Died from Accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Popular Maltese DJ Ryan Spiteri and the woman who was found dead alongside him in a Marsaskala garage died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, police have confirmed. The 47-year-old DJ and the 41-year-old woman were discovered inside a car late on Tuesday, with investigators believing they had been exposed to the deadly gas while the vehicle was switched on and the air-conditioning system was running. Sources close to the investigation said police are examining the vehicle’s air-conditioning system, which can be linked to carbon monoxide leaks in some fatal incidents. A magisterial inquiry has been launched and police investigations remain ongoing. Spiteri, a well-known figure in Malta’s entertainment scene, was identified shortly after the discovery of the bodies, while authorities have not yet released the identity of the woman. (Times of Malta)
Civil Society Raises Concerns Over Independence of Proposed Human Rights Institution
Civil society organisation Repubblika has criticised the government’s approach to establishing a National Human Rights Institution, arguing that a reform of such importance requires wider consultation and stronger safeguards for independence. The organisation said Parliament was presented with a constitutional Bill without sufficient engagement with civil society groups, independent institutions and experts who have long advocated for such a body. Repubblika said previous proposals, including recommendations from the Ombudsman, appear to have been overlooked. It also raised concerns over the proposed appointment process for the Commissioner and members of the Commission, arguing that the mechanism does not provide enough guarantees that the institution will remain independent from executive influence. The group said genuine independence cannot be achieved simply through declarations in legislation but requires structures that ensure public confidence and protect the institution from political interference. (Maltatoday)
MATSEC Results Show Stability in Core Subjects as New Assessment Model Continues
Students receiving their MATSEC results this week saw continued stability in core subjects, while several other areas recorded improvements in pass rates, according to the Education Ministry. Around 4,148 candidates received their Advanced Matriculation results, while another 5,573 students received their SEC examination results. The results mark the second year in which School-Based Assessments (SBA) form part of the final SEC outcome, allowing students’ performance throughout their final three years of secondary education to contribute towards their overall result. Subjects including Chemistry, Computing, Geography and Dance recorded increases in passes, while results in key subjects such as Mathematics, English and Maltese remained broadly stable compared with previous years. Students were assessed under the revised Level system, replacing the previous grading structure. Those who did not achieve their desired results have been offered free revision classes in subjects including Biology, English, Maltese, Mathematics and Physics before resitting their exams. (The Malta Independent)
