Armed Thief Who Robbed St Paul’s Bay Shop On The Run

May 8 2024

Police are currently searching for a thief who on the 7th of May 2024 carried out a robbery from a gambling shop in Triq il-Mosta, St Paul’s Bay.

At around 1330hrs, police were informed of the case and convened immediately on site.

Preliminary investigations showed that a thief, whose face was reportedly covered and who was armed with a knife, entered a shop and demanded money from a worker – a 36-year-old Albanian man.

The thief fled the scene of the crime after acquiring an amount of cash. The employee was not injured.

Investigations are still ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Law Students, Activists Protest Outside Court

May 8 2024

Law students, led by Għaqda Studenti tal-Liġi (GħSL) president Andrew Drago, demonstrated outside Valletta’s law courts, condemning Prime Minister Robert Abela’s statements which they perceived as pitting the judiciary against the public.

Protesters, including law students and politicians like PN leader Bernard Grech and MEP David Casa, expressed solidarity with the judiciary, holding placards emphasizing justice and the rule of law.

Abela’s press conference concerning criminal charges against his predecessor Joseph Muscat and others drew criticism from NGOs for its authoritarian undertones, especially towards Magistrate Gabriella Vella.

The charges, including money laundering and corruption, against Muscat, his chief-of-staff Keith Schembri, ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, and others were confirmed by Times of Malta.

GħSL President Andrew Drago emphasized Abela’s role as a government representative and urged respecting the judiciary’s independence, questioning Abela’s motives and urging him to refrain from undermining the magistrate.

GħSL vice president Laura Chetcuti Dimech denounced Abela’s attacks on the judiciary, referencing his own thesis advocating for judicial independence. She countered Abela’s argument about inquiry duration, citing the complexities of legal processes. The protest also featured addresses from other student representatives.

#MaltaDaily

Eurovision Semi Final 1: Who Made It To The Finals?

May 8 2024

Here are the countries which made it to the next stage – the finale – of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 following the first semifinal:

Serbia, Portugal, Slovenia, *Ukraine, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, Croatia, Ireland and Luxembourg.

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In the upcoming second semi-final, Malta’s Sarah Bonnici will be opening the show as she vies for a spot amongst the finale’s contestant.

Do you think she’ll make it to the final?

#MaltaDaily

Joseph Muscat & Others To Be Charged With Money Laundering, Bribery & More

May 7 2024

Several high-profile figures in Malta, including former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his chief-of-staff Keith Schembri, and ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, are facing charges related to money laundering, corruption, bribery, and other serious offenses, Times of Malta reported.

This marks the first instance in Maltese political history where a former prime minister will stand trial for criminal charges. The charges stem from a deal involving the privatization of three state hospitals negotiated during Muscat’s tenure, which was subsequently annulled by a court last year.

Muscat, Mizzi, and Schembri are accused of various crimes, including money laundering and bribery, with potential sentences of up to 18 years in jail and fines of up to €2.5 million if convicted. Prosecutors allege they received bribes from David Meli, a lawyer representing hospital concessionaires.

Brian Tonna and Karl Cini of Nexia BT are accused of aiding Muscat, Mizzi, and Schembri in committing these crimes. Schembri also faces separate charges related to seeking personal advantages and making unlawful claims.

Additionally, emails revealed Schembri’s hidden role in the negotiation process, further corroborated by criminal charges alleging he took private interests in contracts to the detriment of the government. Schembri faces charges both personally and as a representative of his companies.

#MaltaDaily