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48 Hour Extension For Suspect Arrest Of 12+ Year Imprisonment Crimes

48 Hour Extension For Suspect Arrest Of 12+ Year Imprisonment Crimes
Jan 31 2024 Share

Parliament has granted approval for two legislative measures concerning arrest and detention, as well as the restructuring of procedures related to the proceeds of crime.

The legislation pertaining to arrest and detention enables the apprehension of individuals reasonably suspected of committing serious crimes carrying a penalty of 12 years imprisonment or more. The Magistrate is empowered to extend the detention by a maximum of 48 hours through an order. This law necessitated constitutional amendments.

According to Minister Jonathan Attard, the law aims to provide the police with more effective tools in cases requiring prolonged detention of individuals suspected of serious crimes. The applicability of this law is emphasized to be an exception rather than a rule. Minister Attard highlighted its alignment with global efforts to address evolving complex crimes.

Additionally, Parliament has endorsed an act amending various laws concerning the proceeds of crime. This bill seeks to establish a standardized procedure for attaching, freezing, and confiscating criminal proceeds while ensuring proportionality in line with the requests from Maltese and European Courts.

The parliamentary process, particularly during the Committee stage, resulted in strengthening the bill to achieve a fair balance between the public interest in issuing such orders and the rights of the suspected, accused, or charged individuals to avoid financial ruin without a guilty verdict.

These amendments do not lead to the dismissal of any crime or the mitigation of penalties. The existing procedure for crimes related to drugs, carrying a maximum life imprisonment sentence, remains unchanged.

Key provisions include the obligation to identify properties and specific assets subject to Seizure and Freezing Orders, empowering the Court to modify such orders at the Defendant’s or Prosecutor’s request. The legislation introduces the possibility of increasing the amount released to the accused for sustenance during the case’s pendency. The Criminal Court, post-guilt determination, will decide on the value and assets for confiscation.

Minister Jonathan Attard emphasized the commitment to creating a society where everyone is held accountable for their actions while ensuring that laws respect fundamental rights and require an objective justification for implemented measures. These legislations play a crucial role in advancing the efficiency of justice and the fight against crime.

#MaltaDaily

10,000 Applications For Free Tallinja Cards

10,000 Applications For Free Tallinja Cards
Jan 31 2024 Share

After it was announced that applications for Tallinja bus cards would be made free until the end of February, it was revealed that 10,000 took advantage of the scheme and applied.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett announced the milestone on social media, saying as of the week of the announcement, that of January 22nd, over 10,000 cards were applied for. 

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Transport Malta had revealed that the application fee was made free until the end of the second month of the year, but bus fares for non-card users were raised. 

Non-card users will have prices raised from €2 to €2.50, with the 7 day bus card for kids reduced to €7 from €15. Meanwhile, the same 7 day card for adults will increase from €21 to €25. 

This comes after the government announced complimentary ferry services at the Grand harbour as they expect an increase in maritime transport. 

#MaltaDaily 

Maltese Celebrates 47th Birthday With 47KM Trek

Maltese Celebrates 47th Birthday With 47KM Trek
Jan 31 2024 Share

Conrad Neil Gatt, an athlete and adventurer, celebrated his 47th birthday by taking on a 47km trek around Malta.

 

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Documenting the challenge, he showed how he covered many spots around Malta – from Valletta to Raħal Ġdid, also getting a glimpse of the beautiful landscape in the process. 

For the last 17km he was joined by a group of friends who accompanied him to the finish line. 

Guess that’s one way to burn off the birthday cake!

#MaltaDaily 

@cng_trekventures 

Police Arrest Man After Finding Large Amount Of Cannabis

Police Arrest Man After Finding Large Amount Of Cannabis
Jan 31 2024 Share

The Malta Police Force arrested a 44-year-old man from Tarxien after they found a considerable amount of cannabis plants in his home.

The arrest followed a police report at the Żabbar police station after a person found that some objects from their home were missing, with the person identifying an alleged thief.

Police carried a search in the culprit’s Tarxien home, finding a considerable amount of cannabis plants as well as €15,000 in cash. 

An inquiry has been opened and police investigations are ongoing. 

#MaltaDaily