Delays To Sandra Ramirez Case As Femicide Law Challenged

Jan 26 2024

The commencement of evidence compilation against Fabian Eliuth Garcia Parada, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Sliema, Malta, has been postponed as the defence contests the new femicide law introduced in 2022.

The law categorises the crime as an aggravated form of homicide, subjecting perpetrators to more severe penalties.

Garcia Parada denies the femicide charge in connection with the death of Sandra Ramirez, who was found with stab wounds in January.

His defense argues that the law is discriminatory and violates fundamental rights. The defense contends that denying the accused the ‘crime of passion’ defense in femicide cases is discriminatory, creating a disadvantage for those accused.

This legal challenge mirrors another case where Roderick Cassar is also contesting the femicide law regarding the death of his estranged wife, Bernice.

The femicide law broadens the scope by considering homicides as femicides if resulting from domestic violence, honor killings, misogynistic intentions, religious practices, or sexual abuse. The defense seeks a constitutional court referral to address the perceived human rights issue.

The court has deferred the case until February 6 to allow the prosecution to respond to this unexpected request.

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Company Offering $10,000 To Anyone Who Can Go Without Phone For 30 Days

Jan 26 2024

Siggi’s Dairy, an Icelandic-style yogurt company based in New York, is offering a unique incentive to individuals willing to break free from smartphone addiction.

The company is challenging participants to a digital detox program, with a reward of $10,000 for successfully abstaining from smartphone usage for one month. The initiative aims to promote a simpler life with fewer distractions, highlighting the average person’s daily 5.4 hours spent on their phones.

To qualify for the challenge, applicants must submit a 100 to 500-word essay explaining why they need a digital detox and how it aligns with Siggi’s brand philosophy.

The participants, aged 18 or older, must submit their entries by January 31. On February 15, 10 potential winners will be selected to partake in the no-smartphone challenge.

Winners will receive the $10,000 prize, a smartphone lockbox, a flip phone, a one-month prepaid SIM card for the flip phone, and three months’ supply of Siggi’s yogurt.

This unique initiative encourages individuals to reflect on the impact of digital detoxification and offers a substantial reward for embracing a simpler, less distracting lifestyle.

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President of Malta Delivers Speech At Berlin’s Humboldt University

Jan 26 2024

Malta’s President, George Vella, addressed international politics and the current global situation in a keynote speech at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Speaking on the theme of ‘Reflections on the present world order,’ President Vella emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the European Union in the face of threats to values and ideals. He highlighted the need for a stronger European Union during times of war, turmoil, populism, and the resurgence of extremist political ideals.

President Vella underscored the significance of diplomacy and negotiations as fundamental pillars of functioning multilateral systems, stating that security challenges cannot be resolved through force. He praised Malta’s neutrality as a valuable tool for justice and peace, even in turbulent circumstances, allowing the country to maintain vocal and active stances.

Expressing concern about the Middle East conflict’s impact on global trade and supply lines, President Vella condemned the killing of innocent people and called for an end to the ongoing massacres, particularly of children. He emphasized Malta’s commitment to international responsibilities, including assuming the Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2024.

President Vella also met with Michael Roth, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament, discussing developments in the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. They emphasized the importance of EU unity and its role in international affairs, with Malta actively participating in global diplomatic efforts.

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Malta October 2023 Driest Since 1922, UOM Report Warns

Jan 26 2024

In 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation declared it the warmest year on record globally, with an alarming average temperature of 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather events, growing in frequency and cost, are now challenging global forecasts.

The World Economic Forum warns of potential 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide by 2050 due to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.

Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands faced $43 billion in damages and 200 deaths from floods in July 2021, with event costs rising by almost 77% between 2018-2023.

Malta experienced its share of extreme weather events in 2023, such as intense heatwaves, erratic storms, and cyclones. Notably, October was the driest since 1922, and February delivered 70% of the winter’s precipitation.

The Cerberus heatwave in July set records, with a 29.6 oC average temperature and a 10-day heatwave impacting national infrastructure. These events, intensifying and occurring more frequently, disrupt delicate ecosystems, agriculture, and population well-being.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urgently calls for increased global action to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 °C and ensure climate justice.

In the face of a shifting focus among climate deniers to undermine solutions, consistent messaging is crucial, especially on influential platforms like YouTube, given its potential to significantly influence public opinion for an extended period.

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