Arms dealer denied bail after finding faulty firearm in car

May 26 2021

Aaron Cassar, 41, was arrested on Tuesday after police discovered an unlicensed and loaded pistol in his car boot. In view of his criminal record, Cassar was deemed untrustworthy after he was targeted by members of Major Crimes Unit in his hometown of Birzebbuga following anonymous information about a suspected arms deal was given to authorities. The gun was found loaded with two bullets inside the luggage boot, but Cassar plead not guilty to the unlawful possession.

He also plead not guilty to breaching bail conditions handed down by the Criminal Court in 2017. Cassar was allegedly arraigned four years ago as one of three involved in a failed arson attack at the Marsa home of Deniro Magri. Magri was also separately charged over the fatal shooting of one of the suspected arsonists.

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Photo Source: Malta Police Force Communications

UEFA prepares to expel Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus from next season’s Champions League

May 26 2021

Following the involvement of Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the now abandoned Super League, the UEFA is planning to expel the three teams from next season’s Champions League. The three teams were part of the 12 founding members of the proposals but remained the only three teams to back the plans. The rest – called England’s ‘big six clubs’ which consist of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham – all withdrew their involvement.

With UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin leading the opposition to the controversial Super League, a statement read that ‘following an investigation conducted by UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspectors in connection with the ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against [the three teams] for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework.’

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Photo Source: Forza Italian Football

Investigations launched into Malta’s Eurovision spending

May 26 2021

An investigation to determine whether taxpayer funds were used to boost Destiny’s odds with bookmakers has been launched. Minister Carmelo Abela has allegedly ordered an audit of expenditure into the yearly contest following concerns and reports that part of the budget allocated to the team representing Malta in the Eurovision was used to place bets on Destiny. This would have inflated her odds with bookmakers, with money spent on overseas social media influencers to publish promotional content.

With €350,000 spent by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) on promoting Malta’s participation in the festival, an audit will look into how the money was used and on what beginning next Monday. Sources stated to Times of Malta that an informal admission from PBS insiders showing part of the marketing budget on Eurovision spent on financing foreign nationals’ bets on Destiny to win.

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Photo Source: Wiwibloggs

Russian prosecutor seeking to ban Dolce & Gabbana ‘Love is Love’ ads

May 26 2021

After Dolce & Gabbana posted adverts which show same-sex couples kissing, a Russian prosecutor called for a ban in the country following a lawmaker’s complaint. The complaint was filed by Mikhail Romanov who is a member of ruling United Russia party. The adverts in question are two short videos which were part of the Italian fashion house’s global ‘Love is Love’ campaign as it geared up for Valentine’s Day.

Despite same-sex relationships being legal in Russia, a 2013 law bans disseminating ‘propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations’. Dolce & Gabbana declined to comment on the case, but human rights groups condemned the legislation, stating that this will only increase hostility towards homosexuality.

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Photo Source: Dolce & Gabbana