Court: Quail Spring Hunting Season To Open Wednesday

Apr 9 2024

The spring hunting season for quail is set to commence on Wednesday despite BirdLife’s last-minute attempt to halt it being rejected by the courts.

Following the dismissal of BirdLife’s injunction, the government swiftly announced a legal notice opening the season, with a national quota of 2,400 quails permitted to be hunted.

The hunting of quail will be permitted from two hours before sunrise until noon, running until April 30. Additionally, a separate notice will allow the hunting of 1,500 turtledoves from April 17 to April 30.

The court’s decision to deny the injunction was based on BirdLife’s history of unsuccessful attempts to block spring hunting in previous years. Judge Francesco Depasquale ruled that there were no new circumstances to justify upholding the request, accusing BirdLife of “forum shopping” by seeking different outcomes from various judges.

The court also criticized BirdLife for not addressing the matter before a more informed court that had previously dealt with similar cases.

Furthermore, the court expressed skepticism regarding BirdLife’s claims about the decline in turtle dove populations, questioning the link between hunting and population decline given Malta’s limited size and the short duration of the hunting season.

In response to these developments, hunting group Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) condemned BirdLife’s actions as “extremist,” emphasizing Malta’s legal right to conduct spring hunting under European law, as endorsed by a 2015 referendum and the government’s electoral mandate.

They criticized BirdLife for persisting in legal challenges despite previous court decisions and public referenda upholding the practice of spring hunting.

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Falsely Jailed Indian Man Offered Work Chance By Identita

Apr 9 2024

An Indian man who lost his job while unjustly imprisoned on dismissed charges has received a regulatory opportunity after being flagged for an “irregular immigration situation” by Identità.

Times of Malta reported how after media attention and appeals by activist Patricia Graham, the principal immigration officer granted Dasari Saiteja a few days to apply for a single work permit at Identità through a one-time concession.

“I’m feeling much better now because I can apply and begin my process again now,” said the 25-year-old Saiteja in response to the lifeline.

Saiteja endured 50 days in preventive custody after being falsely accused of submitting forged lease agreements to the immigration agency by Identità. He and a fellow countryman were acquitted in March when it was discovered that his agent was responsible for the forgery.

During his imprisonment, Saiteja’s employer, QK Services, terminated his employment due to his absence from work. Consequently, when Saiteja sought a new work permit, he was labeled an irregular migrant.

This prompted the immigration officer’s decision to grant Saiteja a 10-day concession to regularize his status.

Reflecting on his challenging experience, Saiteja remarked, “I never expected such things could happen in my life, but I learned big lessons for my life. I’m looking forward to my career and to having success in my life.”

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s Women Team Are Ready To Face Portugal Today

Apr 9 2024

Malta’s women’s football team is ready to face Portugal today at 18:30hrs at the Centenary Stadium in what promises to be an exciting UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Qualifier match.

The national team’s coach Manuela Tesse revealed during a press conference that she is excited about the prospect of hosting Portugal in the second Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier.

The team is urging supporters to make their way to the stadium with flags and colours and to let their cheers echo through the entire stadium.

Will you be following the match? Get your tickets here.

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Pavements Belong To Citizens: Stickers Pop Up Around Malta

Apr 9 2024

Residents in villages and towns across Malta are taking action against the blocking of pavements by restaurant tables and chairs, using a novel approach to highlight their concerns. Stickers bearing messages like ‘pavements for citizens’ or ‘no pavement, no vote’ are being placed on public spaces encroached upon by restaurant setups.

These stickers have appeared in several areas including Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa, Marsascala, and Buġibba in recent days.

Moviment Graffitti has coordinated this campaign, with Ruth Mercieca from the NGO emphasizing that residents are taking matters into their own hands after feeling ignored and neglected by authorities.

The initiative follows a demonstration in Valletta where residents protested against encroachment in the capital city. Similar issues have been observed across Malta and Gozo, with concerns raised by the archpriest of Victoria about restaurant expansion infringing on public spaces.

Moviment Graffitti, in a Facebook post, condemned the “invasion” of public spaces, criticizing authorities like the Planning Authority, Lands Authority, and Tourism Authority for turning a blind eye to the chaos and inconvenience caused to residents.

Mercieca clarified that the sticker campaign is the first step in planned actions and reiterated that they are not opposed to outdoor social spaces but are fighting against abuse and the lack of enforcement of residents’ rights to safe public access.

#MaltaDaily