Cyber bullying punishable with up to 5 years of prison and €30,000

Feb 19 2022

Recent cases and reports have shown that cyber bully and cyber stalking are having increasingly serious consequences on individuals and society in general.

Last year, it was noted that such cases increased dramatically with Aġenzija Appoġġ reporting over 900 calls for help. To lift some of the burden on such acts, a number of amendments in the criminal code with regards to cyber bullying and cyber stalking have been made. Consequences for such crimes will be much harder on those who commit them, with amendments proposing up to 5 years of jail time and fines of up to €30,000. Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis stated that such amendments will protect those who are vulnerable in an attempt to prevent harsher consequences such as self harm and suicide.

The Minister went on to highlight that while it is important for means of communication to be used for good, misuse of such platforms will result in harsh criminal sanctions. The legal amendments are currently in their Parliamentary committee phase.

Minister for Social Justice Michael Falzon reiterated such sentiments, shining a light on the importance of controlled and regulated means, the lack of which result in an increase in reports of abuse as what happened with Aġenzija Appoġġ.

#MaltaDaily

Kanye West’s new album won’t be on streaming services; to be released on his $200 stem player

Feb 19 2022

Kanye West fans are in quite a predicament after the 44-year-old rapper announced that his ‘Donda 2’ album won’t be coming out on streaming platforms and will release exclusively on his $200 stem player.

Ye took to Instagram to state that platforms like Apple, Amazon, Spotify or YouTube only give artists 12 per cent of income and that ‘it’s time to take control’ and free ourselves from the oppressive system. While some praised the rapper for such a move, many shrugged off this decision stating that they would opt to pirate the album or not listen to it at all.

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“Tech companies made music practically free so if you don’t do merch sneakers and tours you don’t eat”, he stated. Ye has also been recently embroiled in a seemingly one-sided battle with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, current boyfriend Pete Davidson and the rest of her family, posting a number of questionable statements directed towards the Kardashian camp.

#MaltaDaily

March election speculation rises as Robert Abela remains silent

Feb 19 2022

Speculation continues to rise within political and public circles as this weekend is Prime Minister Robert Abela’s last chance to announce a general election for March.

For an election to happen on March 26, Abela must dissolve parliament on Monday to abide by the obligatory 33-day window between house dissolution and the day of voting. Many have been predicting potential dates and with Pope Francis’ arrival in early April and the Easter Holiday’s obstruction of political campaigning, it can go both ways.

Robert Abela has remained relatively silent on the election dates, with options to leave the general election for May or even until the end of the government’s window in June. The Prime Minister has stated multiple times that the election will be held before the end of the government’s legislature.

When do YOU think the election will take place? 🗳

#MaltaDaily

Skyscraper land? St. Julian’s to welcome another 33-storey tower after ERA approves proposal

Feb 19 2022

The bustling entertainment hub of St. Julian’s will welcome another 33-storey tower after the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) green-lighted a proposal.

The project, led by PX Lettings’ Paul Xuereb and architect Christian Spiteri, will match Joseph Portelli’s neighbouring Mercury Tower project, which is also currently in development. Times of Malta have also highlighted that such an approval cleared a ‘significant regulatory hurdle’.

The tower, which will include office space, residential areas, restaurants and parking facilities, was approved after the ERA’s consideration of an Environmental Impact Assessment and comments from the public during a stipulated 30-day consultation period.

As the busy commercial hub continues to welcome high-rise developments, could we be witnessing the future of St. Julian’s in motion? 🏙

#MaltaDaily