Justice Minister Jonathan Attard has announced that Malta will reintroduce a specialised Commercial Court, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce delays in the judicial system. The bill, currently in parliament, proposes transferring cases involving competition, consumer protection, insolvency, maritime disputes, civil aviation, and intellectual property away from the First Hall of the Civil Court. Attard said this reform will ease pressure on judges handling heavy caseloads and provide faster resolutions. He highlighted that commercial courts exist in many countries, and Malta’s step aligns with international recommendations, including those from the OECD and the Consultative Council of European Judges. A dedicated site in Valletta is expected to house the new court, which will also strengthen investor confidence. (Times of Malta)
Vittoriosa Shooting Victim Identifies Attacker Before Dying A 33-year-old man fatally shot at a Vittoriosa housing estate on Sunday managed to tell police who had attacked him before being rushed to hospital, where he later died. Kyle Mifsud was struck once in the abdomen at the entrance of his apartment block in Tal-Hawli. Before collapsing, he named neighbour Salvino Mangion, 70, as the shooter. Mangion, who lives in the same block, pleaded not guilty to murder and firearm possession when arraigned in court. Police said Mifsud was found bleeding on the stairs, conscious but in distress. Mangion allegedly left the scene after the shooting but was arrested minutes later. The elderly man appeared in court wearing jeans and a blue T-shirt, escorted by plain-clothes officers. (Maltatoday)
Autism Council Rejects Paracetamol-Autism Link The Maltese Autism Advisory Council has dismissed claims that paracetamol use during pregnancy causes autism, following suggestions made by the US Food and Drug Administration. The council emphasised that while some studies have noted associations, there is no scientific evidence of direct causation. A major review of 46 studies by Harvard and Mount Sinai researchers was deemed inconclusive, with only inconsistent correlations observed. The European Medicines Agency has maintained that paracetamol remains safe for use during pregnancy to treat pain and fever. “Correlation does not imply causation,” the council stressed, urging caution against misinformation. The public was reminded that misleading claims can cause unnecessary fear for expectant mothers who rely on the medication as a safe option. (The Malta Independent)
