Crime Reports Drop in 2025 Malta saw a significant drop in crime in 2025, with 15,594 offences reported, down 6.4% from 16,662 in 2024, according to a report presented at a Cabinet meeting. The figure equates to 27 crimes per 1,000 people, the second lowest since 1998. Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted that the actual number is far below the expected 26,419 based on 2005 data. Theft remained the most common crime, making up 28.4% of all offences, though cases such as pickpocketing fell sharply. Damages and domestic violence remained the next most reported offences, with domestic violence slightly decreasing to 2,174 cases. Experts attribute the decline to increased public awareness, improved reporting channels, and greater faith in the system. The report underlines the positive trend towards safer communities and more effective law enforcement across Malta. (The Malta Independent)
Photographer Wins Malta Biennale Prize for Blank Wall Image Therese Debono won the top prize at the Malta Biennale for her photograph, Blank, which depicts a massive, white, windowless wall standing beside Gozo’s prehistoric Ġgantija temple. The work highlights the contrast between Malta’s ancient heritage and contemporary architecture. Debono said the blank walls disrupt the country’s historic landscape and diminish the legacy left by previous generations. The project began during the pandemic when a wall blocked her view of a village church in Żebbuġ, inspiring her to document similar structures across Malta. She shared the Best Artwork Award with Italian artist Concetta Modica, whose work explored the transformation of natural objects into celestial forms. Debono’s image provokes reflection on the balance between preservation and modern development, drawing attention to one of Malta’s most controversial architectural realities. (The Times of Malta)
Constitutional Court Rejects Challenge to Femicide Law On Monday, Malta’s Constitutional Court, led by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, dismissed an appeal against the femicide law. The case was brought by Fabian Eliuth Garcia Parada, accused of murdering Sandra Milena Ramirez Prieto in January 2024. The law addresses homicides of women under specific circumstances, including crimes committed by intimate partners, motivated by misogyny, honour, religion, prostitution, trafficking, or sexual violence. It removes the defendant’s ability to claim a defence of “instant passion.” Parada’s defence argued that this violated his fundamental rights under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, citing gender-based discrimination. The Constitutional Court reaffirmed the law’s validity, noting that its purpose is to protect women and ensure justice. The ruling follows a 2024 magistrate decision rejecting an earlier request for a constitutional reference, which was deemed premature. (TVM News)
