Abner Aquilina claimed to have “an influence controlling his thoughts and actions”

Feb 1 2023

Abner Aquilina, the 20-year-old from Żejtun, who is accused of killing Paulina Dembska, reappeared in court today as the case against him continued. The 29-year-old women from Poland, was murdered in Independence Garden in Sliema, at the start of January 2022.

In court, the first witness in today’s hearing, Dr. Andrew Hall said that he had examined the accused’s mental state and referred him to mental health services. He claimed that Abner was repeating the same words, became more agitated over time, avoided questions and raised his voice.

According to the witness Abner said that he had seen “a woman dressed in white and had followed her into a church.” When asked if there was someone or something controlling him, Abner said that he could not talk about this. However, the doctor said that Abner spoke about “an influence controlling his thoughts and actions.” When asked about it, the accused put his finger over his mouth and made a shushing sound.

The prosecution is being led by Superintendent Keith Arnaud, Inspector Jonathan Ransley and Attorney Anthony Vella from the Attorney General’s Office. The accused is being represented by Lawyer Mario Mifsud while Lawyer Stefano Filletti is appearing for the victim’s family.

#MaltaDaily

22 people found living illegally in Malta to be sent back pending investigation

Feb 1 2023

22 people have been found living illegally in Malta after inspections conducted early today, 1st February, in Marsa & Qormi.

Inspections conducted by the Malta Police Force and Detention Services found people of various nationalities including Ghana, Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The individuals were taken to the Malta Police Force General Headquarters in Floriana to begin their repatriation process.

Investigations are currently under way.

#MaltaDaily

Cocaine, heroin & all other hard drugs decriminalised in Vancouver, Canada

Feb 1 2023

A Canadian province has decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and other hard drugs, attempting to radically shift drug policy amid an opioid overdose crisis killing thousands in Canada.

Decriminalisation has the potential to reduce overdose deaths, decrease the burden on the criminal justice system and increase access to treatment and support services for people who use drugs.

Currently, people who use drugs are often criminalised and incarcerated, which does little to address the root causes of their drug use and can actually make their situation worse. Decriminalisation would allow people to access the support and treatment they need without the fear of being arrested or incarcerated.

“the situation has never been more urgent”.

Following the decision, which was taken last Tuesday, Canadian Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett addressed a news conference highlighting how “the situation has never been more urgent”.

“The effects of this public health crisis have devastated communities across British Columbia and across Canada,” Bennett stated, with the figure for nationwide fatalities surpassing 30,000.

Despite these potential benefits, the decriminalisation of hard drugs remains a controversial issue and is opposed by some who argue that it would send the wrong message and increase drug use.

However, there is evidence from countries like Portugal, which have already decriminalised drug use, that shows that this is not the case. In fact, Portugal has seen a decrease in drug use and an increase in access to treatment since the decriminalisation of all drugs in 2001.

#MaltaDaily

In Gozo: Teacher assaulted by a student and fractured hand

Feb 1 2023

Today, the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) had an urgent meeting with Education Minister Clifton Grima to discuss the case of aggression on an educator, that happened yesterday in Gozo.

The Ministry informed MUT that it will be setting up a committee to establish the facts in relation to this case.

On the other hand the MUT insisted that the educator who got attacked, gets all the support required.

In a press statement, MUT explained that it proposed the setting up of a review board that will analyse the difficult situations that the educators are facing.

According to the teacher’s union, this should lead to necessary recommendations to improve the situation. Minister Clifton Grima accepted this request.

The case of aggression happened yesterday 31 January in a school in Gozo. The teacher was assaulted by a student and fractured a hand. This injury could also lead to permanent disability.

The case has been reported, and Police are investigating.

#MaltaDaily