Sufficient grounds to indict Muscat, Mizzi and Schembri
There are sufficient grounds to merit the indictment of Joseph Muscat, Chris Fearne, Keith Schembri and others for crimes relating to the fraudulent hospitals’ concession, a court ruled on Tuesday. They are part of a group of 14 individuals and nine companies facing criminal charges, including corruption, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, in connection with the sale of three state hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare. Of the 14, Sciacca Grill, which operates eponymous restaurants, was the only one to be discharged from proceedings after Magistrate Rachel Montebello concluded that prosecutors had failed to present enough evidence to justify the company’s inclusion in criminal proceedings. (Maltatoday)
Research group makes major discover linked to blood conditions
A Maltese research group has discovered that human blood reverts to its foetal type in space, which could lead to breakthroughs for thalassaemia patients who require lifelong transfusions due to dysfunctional haemoglobin after birth. Thalassaemia patients have a genetic issue with adult haemoglobin, and if a method to elevate their foetal haemoglobin levels is found, their symptoms could be alleviated. Using data and blood samples from NASA astronauts, the research group confirmed the switch from adult to foetal globin during spaceflight and its reversion upon return to Earth. This finding could be key to curing millions worldwide suffering from this severe hereditary blood condition, including 28 patients in Malta. (Times of Malta)
Russia bans four Maltese portals
The Russian government has introduced restrictions for its residents when it comes to accessing 81 news websites across the European Union, including four which are in Malta. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said on its website that as a response to the decision taken by the EU Council on May 17 to ban any broadcast activity on three Russian media (RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta), which comes into force today, June 25, counter restrictions are being introduced with regards to access from the territory of the Russian Federation to the broadcast resources of a number of EU member state media outlets. The impacted Maltese portals are The Malta Independent, TVM, the Times of Malta and MaltaToday. (The Malta Independent)
