Updated 1430 – Diver dies in Ċirkewwa incident
A 50-year-old Israeli diver in an incident at Ċirkewwa. The individual encountered difficulties while swimming, which ultimately led to this unfortunate outcome. According to the police, the diver was promptly brought ashore by his companions, who provided immediate assistance until an ambulance arrived at the scene. The diver was then swiftly transported to the hospital, where medical professionals attempted to save his life. Regrettably, despite their best efforts, the diver succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
U 1220
Court turns down Muscat’s request for magistrate recusal
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s request to suspend Magistrate Gabriella Vella from the inquiry into the hospitals concession has been dismissed by the court. The First Hall, Civil Court, presided over by Madam Justice Doreen Clarke, also denied Muscat’s request for an urgent hearing, stating that it was unnecessary as court regulations already prioritize urgency. The decisions were delivered in a decree on Wednesday morning, with Muscat present in court after previously testifying in the proceedings last month. (Times of Malta)
Public projects taking too long – MDA
The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has raised concerns about the delayed completion of public infrastructure projects and called for increased investment in capital projects. The MDA welcomed the recent public finance data, which indicated higher tax revenues for the government, and suggested that the surplus should be directed towards long-term projects aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. However, the MDA also expressed apprehension regarding the prolonged duration of public projects. It urged the government to ensure a return to a system where infrastructure projects are completed within shorter timeframes, as they are currently taking too long. The MDA emphasized the need for bid awards to consider not only price but also the contractor’s track record in delivering projects. (Maltatoday)
Man arrested after throwing large objects from balcony
A man was apprehended after throwing various items, such as chairs, glass bottles, plates, and even the balcony door, onto the street. The incident occurred in St Paul’s Bay, prompting a call to the police for assistance. In footage circulating on social media, two men can be seen on a balcony, with one attempting to restrain the individual responsible for the objects being thrown onto the street. Upon receiving the call, the police responded promptly, entered the apartment, and detained the man. The police spokesperson confirmed that no excessive force was used during the arrest, despite the individual displaying aggression.
Morning Briefing
Lack of space, public emergency reason for keeping migrants on boat – PM
During his testimony in a human rights case filed by 32 individuals who were detained on Captain Morgan boats, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised that the government’s decision to keep newly arrived migrants on boats off Malta in 2020 was due to the lack of space in migrant centers and the country’s ongoing public health emergency. The incident occurred in April 2020, amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the government declared Malta’s ports closed and opted to accommodate arrivals at sea by utilizing privately hired tourist boats. “The country was closed. Most of the country was not paralysed but shut down. Our core function was to save lives and keep them as comfortable as possible, providing them with food, medicines, daily provisions and even cigarettes. Obviously, as comfortable as possible. Because at the time, the whole country was not comfortable and everyone bore a part of the burden”, the PM argued. (Times of Malta)
PN calls for support on motion for Sofia inquiry
The Nationalist Party has urged all Members of Parliament to support a motion for a public inquiry into the tragic incident at Corradino, which took place seven months ago and resulted in the loss of Jean Paul Sofia’s life after a building collapse. Speaking at a press conference, MP Jerome Caruana Cilia highlighted the prolonged period of silence surrounding the case, pointing out how no action had been taken. He stated that the call for a public inquiry was not limited to the victim’s relatives and the Nationalist Party, as other individuals with varying political views and organisations had also joined forces in making this demand. (TVM)
Culture Minister says pastor’s criminal action against satirists unwelcome
Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, while introducing amendments aimed at safeguarding artistic expression, stated that River of Love pastor Gordon-John Manche should have pursued civil remedies instead of resorting to criminal action. Speaking in parliament, Bonnici expressed his belief that if the aggrieved party had chosen a civil course of action, he would have accepted it as a civil matter, even if he disagreed personally. The police initiated criminal proceedings following a complaint by Manche against satirist Matt Bonnano, who had suggested that the River of Love church be relocated to Buġibba and subjected to carpet-bombing. The proposed legal amendment, which reached its second reading, seeks to protect artistic expression in such cases. (Maltatoday)
