An axe was used to dismember a body found in a suitcase floating near the Gżira promenade on Monday, according to sources close to the investigation. The victim, a middle-aged Caucasian man, remains unidentified, but initial autopsy results suggest he was a drug mule, with drugs discovered in his stomach. The suitcase, spotted in the water and retrieved by police on Monday afternoon, raised alarm. Investigators believe the murder occurred just hours before the discovery, as the body showed no signs of decomposition. They noted the suitcase was not adequately weighted, causing it to surface. Despite the dismemberment, police are analysing the victim’s facial features for identification. An autopsy conducted on Tuesday aims to uncover further forensic evidence to help identify the killer. (Times of Malta)
Malta halts asylum application for Syrian nationals
Malta has temporarily halted the examination and processing of both new and existing asylum applications from Syrian nationals. In a statement, Malta’s International Protection Agency explained that the decision was prompted by recent developments in Syria. Over the past week, a coalition of rebel forces in Syria made rapid advances, ultimately overthrowing Bashar al-Assad and bringing an end to his oppressive regime, which had subjected the country to years of instability and civil war. (Maltatoday)
Former MP appointed AIMS chairperson
Former Labour MP Jean Claude Micallef has announced his appointment as the new CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport. He will succeed fellow former Labour MP Luciano Busuttil, who has held the role since the authority’s inception. Micallef expressed his enthusiasm for embarking on this new chapter with the organisation. (The Malta Independent)
