FSWS expresses concern about court backlog of domestic violence cases
All magistrates should receive training in handling domestic violence cases and be assigned to preside over them at least once a week to tackle the backlog, Alfred Grixti, head of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, has urged. Currently, two magistrates oversee domestic violence cases, but Grixti noted that one also handles juvenile and child protection cases, which he argued need dedicated focus. “Sharing a magistrate between child protection and domestic violence is unfair to both groups of victims,” he said, highlighting the strain of 1,500 active domestic violence cases across just two magistrates. He suggested training all 30 magistrates to take on domestic violence cases weekly, emphasizing that addressing the issue requires collective action, not just reliance on the government. Grixti made these remarks during a conference marking 30 years of domestic violence services within the foundation. (Times of Malta)
Government launches land registration system reform, aiming for all land to be registered by 2035
Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi has launched a public consultation on the National Strategy to reform Malta’s land registration system, aiming for full registration of all territories by 2035. Speaking at a press conference, Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed the need for a “re-learning” approach to make land registration more efficient. The consultation document outlines 18 government proposals to modernise and strengthen the Land Registry, ensuring greater clarity, efficiency, and certainty in property transfers. “This reform is long overdue,” he said, highlighting feedback from stakeholders who called for updates in how properties are registered and defined. The consultation is open until 28 February 2025. (The Malta Independent)
Over 2,500 persons object to Villa Rosa revisions
More than 2,500 people have submitted objections to the consultation process for revising the Villa Rosa Local Plan. The objections stem from controversy surrounding the public consultation launched in October for the partial review of the 2006 Northern Harbour Local Plan, specifically for the Paceville area. Through this revision, the government is reportedly planning to alter the local plans to accommodate a massive redevelopment of the Villa Rosa site in St Julian’s, which would allow developer Anton Camilleri (Tal-Franċiż) to construct three high-rise towers, ranging from 27 to 34 storeys. (Newsbook)
