10,300 Domestic Violence Charges Issued In Past 2.5 Years

Aug 23 2024

The Police domestic violence section issued nearly 10,300 cases in the past two and a half years, according to Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà.

Speaking before the Joint Committee of the Social and Family Affairs Committee, Gafà highlighted the increase in reports since the section was established in October 2020.

The unit has expanded its resources and now has 60 officers stationed at the Santa Luċija hub and Police headquarters in Floriana, continued the commissioner.

The committee meeting was convened following the tragic femicide of Nicolette Ghirxi, who was fatally stabbed by her former partner.

Commissioner Gafà emphasized challenges posed by the Schengen system, which allows individuals to travel between countries with minimal oversight.

He called for a unified judicial system and urged courts to ensure victims testify against their aggressors.

During the session, parliamentary deputies raised issues from the inquiry into Bernice Cassar’s femicide, which pointed to systemic failures due to resource shortages.

Commissioner Gafà responded that 100% of the inquiry’s recommendations have been implemented, with plans for a new domestic violence hub in Imtarfa by next June.

Domestic violence commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan confirmed that 70% of the recommendations are in progress and urged victims to report incidents.

Source: TVM

Hundreds Share Post Of Student Whose Thesis Laptop Was Stolen

Aug 23 2024

A post by student Leon Farrugia made the rounds on social media, with hundreds re-sharing the post, as he explained that his laptop, which contained his important thesis, was stolen.

Farrugia, who is also a barman at Mosta FC ground, was cleaning the bar during a match when his laptop was stolen.

‘I have an entire master thesis (years work) that needs to be submitted next week. Without it I wouldn’t fulfil my dream of graduating’, explained Leon.

He explained that it’s ok if someone took it as he too has done things he is not proud of, but appealed for whoever took it to take it to the Mosta Police Station.

‘They know that I am looking for it and they are not going to ask any questions. Just the them you found it outside’.

‘Just give the laptop without the bag, no worries (there are €120 in the bag, take them). Inside I also had the hard rive with my thesis back up and with a lot of memories own photos. Please guys be human and don’t leave me this worried.’

‘I don’t know what I am going to do without this. It means the world to me and my academic journey was hell. This is my last chance of graduating don’t take it away from me please.’

#MaltaDaily

‘Rare Visitor; Rainbow Runner Fish Spotted In Malta

Aug 23 2024

A rainbow runner fish, also known as the Hawaiian salmon, has been recorded in Maltese waters for the first time. Marine biologist and University of Malta professor Alan Deidun shared a video of this rare sighting on social media, showing the fish swimming near traditional Maltese boats.

The fish was spotted by citizen scientist Luke Meilak in Gozo. While the rainbow runner is typically found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it has occasionally been seen in the Mediterranean.

Deidun noted that although the species had previously been recorded in southern Italy, this is its first appearance in Malta.

Deidun attributed the presence of the rainbow runner to rising Mediterranean temperatures and increased shipping activity through the Suez Canal. The sighting was part of the Spot the Alien citizen science campaign, which launched in 2019 to track non-indigenous species in Maltese waters.

Deidun also pointed out that the recording of new species in the region is becoming more frequent, with around ten new species documented each year.

He had previously suggested that rising sea temperatures could explain recent unusual sightings, such as the monk seal, in Maltese waters.

#MaltaDaily

You Can Now Add Music To Your Instagram Profile

Aug 23 2024

Instagram has launched a new feature allowing users to add a song to their profile, reminiscent of MySpace’s iconic music feature from the early 2000s.

The selected song will appear in the bio section and remain there until the user decides to change it.

Unlike MySpace, however, the song won’t autoplay; visitors can choose to play or pause the track manually.

Users can select their profile song by navigating to the “edit profile” page, where they’ll access Instagram’s library of licensed music.

They can choose a 30-second portion of the track to feature. Instagram has collaborated with pop star Sabrina Carpenter for the launch, offering a preview of her unreleased song “Taste” on her official profile ahead of her new album Short n’ Sweet.

This move aligns with Instagram’s broader push to integrate more music features, such as music stickers and song lyrics in Reels.

The timing also seems strategic, potentially positioning Instagram as an alternative to TikTok if the latter faces future U.S. restrictions.

While aimed primarily at younger users, the feature could become popular as Instagram evolves into a music discovery platform, capitalising on the nostalgic appeal of personalising profiles through music.

#MaltaDaily