Eighth Youths Charged With Assaulting Gay Minor Near Torri l-Aħmar

Mar 30 2025

Eighth minors have been charged in court for allegedly assaulting another minor near Torri l-Aħmar, Mellieħa, due to his sexual orientation.

The accused include four Maltese youths—three males aged 15, 16, and 17, and a 16-year-old female—as well as four foreigners: a 17-year-old Hungarian, a 16-year-old Filipino, a 16-year-old from Tajikistan, and a 15-year-old Macedonian.

As reported by TVM News, the incident took place on 10 March at around 8:30 pm. The victim was reportedly lured to the area through a dating app, believing he was meeting someone for a date. Instead, he was attacked, robbed of his mobile phone, and the assailants fled using public transport.

Authorities traced the suspects via the Tal-Linja app, leading to their arrest. They appeared before Magistrate Rachel Montebello, pleading not guilty. The charges include violent assault motivated by discrimination based on sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, descent, age, or sex.

The court granted them bail under strict conditions, including a €8,000 guarantee, no contact with the victim, regular police check-ins, and a curfew from 8:30 pm to 6:30 am.

The prosecution is led by Dr Mauro Abela from the Office of the Advocate General, alongside Inspectors Lydon Zammit and Stephen Gulia.

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Woman Forgives Partner for Assault, Claims He Was Drugged

Mar 30 2025

A woman who reported her partner for assault asked the court to drop the charges against him on Sunday, claiming she believed he had been drugged.

The 40-year-old man was charged with assaulting her in St Julian’s on 11 March, causing slight injuries, making her fear violence, and breaching a conditional discharge.

However, in court, the woman, who is pregnant with their fourth child, insisted their relationship was good and that she did not need protection.

She told the court she had forgiven him and alleged that someone had drugged him, which led to his behaviour.

Magistrate Rachel Montebello accepted her request and dropped the charges. She also issued a ban on publishing the couple’s names.

Inspector Christian Cauchi led the prosecution, while lawyer Francesca Zarb represented the man, and lawyer Andre Borg assisted the woman.

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Malta Premier League Condemn Mosta Vs Żabbar Brawl

Mar 30 2025

The Malta Premier League (MPL) has strongly condemned the incidents that took place at the end of the tense match between Mosta and Żabbar St. Patrick’s.

While refraining from commenting on the specifics of the events, the MPL clarified that, based on the information available, no fans were involved in the incidents.

In fact, the league praised the behaviour of the hundreds of supporters who attended the first three matches held in Gozo, describing their conduct as exemplary.

The MPL welcomed the investigation announced by the Malta Football Association (MFA) regarding the matter.

It also expressed its gratitude to the law enforcement officers who were present throughout the event, even aboard the ferries transporting fans between Malta and Gozo.

Additionally, the MPL thanked the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Football Association (GFA) for their contributions in ensuring the Gozo Weekender event was a success.

Looking ahead, the MPL expressed its hope that the remaining fixtures will continue to be played in a peaceful and respectful atmosphere, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a positive environment for Maltese football.

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Ryanair Rules The Skies: Nearly Half Of Malta’s Flights In 2024!

Mar 29 2025

In an unprecedented leap, Malta’s air travel soared to new heights in 2024, with a staggering 55,850 scheduled flights connecting the island to 109 airports across 35 countries. This remarkable expansion signifies a robust recovery and growth in Malta’s aviation sector.

Leading the charge, Ryanair dominated the skies, operating 47.1% of all flights. Close behind, KM Malta Airlines secured a 23.4% share, ensuring that nearly 70% of Malta’s air traffic was managed by these two giants. This duopoly underscores their pivotal role in enhancing Malta’s global connectivity.

The summer months witnessed an aviation boom, with almost half of the year’s flights occurring between May and September. August peaked with 5,796 flights, highlighting Malta’s allure as a prime summer destination.

However, this surge in air travel comes with environmental considerations. The scheduled flights in 2024 resulted in approximately 1.11 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions. With the European Union set to remove free Emissions Trading System (ETS) allowances by 2026, travellers might face an average ticket price increase of over €10 per flight. This move aims to promote sustainable aviation practices across Europe.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises even greater connectivity for Malta. Anticipated passenger movements are projected to reach 9.3 million. Exciting new routes are on the horizon, including flights to Helsinki, Santorini, Rimini, and Benghazi. Notably, Qatar Airways plans to reinstate its connection to Doha, a key hub for long-haul travel, further solidifying Malta’s position on the global aviation map.

As Malta’s skies become busier, balancing growth with environmental responsibility remains crucial. Policymakers and airlines are tasked with navigating this dynamic landscape, ensuring that Malta’s aviation sector continues to thrive sustainably.

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