Free El Hiblu 3 protest in front of Attorney General office

Jun 10 2023

Various organisations, including Moviment Graffitti, held a demonstration yesterday evening calling on the Attorney General to drop the charges against El Hiblu 3.

The individuals and groups are demanding that the Attorney General, Dr VIctoria Buttiġieġ, ‘immediately dismiss the unjust charges against Abdalla, Amara and Kader.

‘Abdalla, Amara and Kader arrived in Malta more than four years ago. Acting as mediators and translators on the El Hiblu 1, they helped to prevent the unlawful pushback of over 100 people to Libya and to diffuse a tense situation at sea. They were only 15, 16, and 19 years old respectively. Rather than celebrate their bravery, the Maltese authorities charged them with a number of crimes that could lead to life sentences.’

Touting new evidence in the case which discredits one of the main witnesses brought by the prosecution, the groups claim that this corroborates with wha the three have explained from the beginning.

The witness in question is Sarah El Hiblu, who the groups explain is ‘the owner of the oil tanker that rescued the travellers, is charged in a cocaine smuggling case in Spain. He failed to appear in court to testify. These events cast doubt on his character, his credibility, and thus his testimony.’

National and international support for the Attorney General to drop the charges is overwhelming and growing.

Hundreds of individuals and organisations have signed our open letter since we delivered it to the Attorney General in September 2022. In total, the open letter now has 1,300 signatures from individuals and organisations. Signatories include Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (President Emeritus of Malta), Dr Yana Mintoff (Association for Justice, Equality and Peace), Dr Maria Pisani (Head of Department, Youth Studies, University of Malta), over 10 members of the European Parliament, prominent members of the Catholic Church in Malta, as well as a range of other individuals.

#MaltaDaily

Record 5.8 million bus passengers in May 2023

Jun 10 2023

According to data provided by Malta Public Transport, May 2023 saw a record breaking amount of bus passengers travelling across the Maltese islands.

5.8 million passengers took to alternative transport during this month, which surpasses the previous milestone of 5.7 million in August of 2019, right before the pandemic broke out.

“The consistent passenger growth is indicative that confidence in public transportation is strengthening. In fact, the percentage of people travelling by bus, when compared to travelling by private car or other modes of transport, has increased to 11% in 2023, from 8% in 2021. This represents a positive modal shift towards public transport,” said Konrad Pulé, General Manager of Malta Public Transport.

This comes as Malta Public Transport launches the Summer service from Sunday, June 11th, 2023. The service will provide more frequent buses on busy routes with an additional 550 bus trips per day.

Extended bus services will also be provided for popular beaches as many make their way for a summer swim. ‘Passengers are reminded that real-time bus arrival information is available on the free Tallinja App, as well as through the QR codes on each bus stop.’

#MaltaDaily

Harm reduction training program for cannabis use announced

Jun 9 2023

The training program on Harm Reduction for prospective associations working in this sector has been announced.

As an important part of the reform on responsible Cannabis use, the training and certification program has now been announced for all those involved in Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations (CHRA). These associations will be licensed under a stricter regime to provide regulated access to a limited amount of cannabis for personal use to their members only.

During a press conference, the Cannabis Regulation Authority explained that following the publication of the Harm Reduction directive, which provides clear guidelines for the operation of prospective associations, this training and certification initiative will further strengthen the education policy. Prospective associations in this sector will be able to work with studied practices and eventually provide relevant information and insights to researchers and policymakers in our country.

Rebecca Buttigieg, the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, emphasized that from the very beginning of the reform, the government aimed to remove the stigma of criminalization and continued to combat cannabis trafficking through comprehensive legislation. She stated that the Harm Reduction strategy aims to weaken the illegal market by providing legitimate access to cannabis under scrutiny from competent officials, ensuring that cultivation, transportation, storage, and distribution of cannabis adhere to defined criteria.

“It is futile and only does harm to continue issuing criminal tickets to individuals who possess cannabis. We are not doing any good by doing so. These citizens do not need to be judged; they need our help by providing them with alternative routes to avoid the risks and dangers of a commercial market flooded with drug trafficking,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

Leonid McKay, Chairperson of the Cannabis Regulation Authority, stated that when discussing Harm Reduction, it is often limited to the policy that addresses the harm caused by cannabis consumption. McKay added that the Authority aims to fulfill its role by fostering discussion in the spirit of public health protection. He stated that it has always been clear that the role of the Authority is not to promote cannabis use, but rather to provide a regulated source as an alternative to the illicit market. The Harm and Risk Reduction policy recognizes that individuals who use cannabis should not be forced into treatment or end up in the criminal justice system.

“Harm Reduction to me also means explaining certain risks that are even more dangerous than those we usually talk about, including the risks of a commercialized market where existing users may start attracting new ones through aggressive marketing and promotion,” concluded Mr. McKay.

Karen Mamo, Manager at the Cannabis Regulation Authority, emphasized the primary goals of the Harm and Risk Reduction principle within a regulated framework based on a non-profit system. Ms. Mamo explained that the Authority will adopt a comprehensive approach and ensure that language, policies, and research work together to promote responsible use while creating an environment free from social stigma.

Meanwhile, it was also announced that the Authority will organize a series of thematic roundtable discussions focusing on cannabis, public health, and sustainable development. They will actively engage with the community members who use and cultivate cannabis through meet and greet events.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese football teams to get €10,000 for every stage advanced

Jun 9 2023

Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo announced that VisitMalta has an incentive of €10,000 for every stage any Maltese football team advances in when competing in various European competition qualifications.

Last year, VisitMalta awarded the same amount of money to five football teams competing in UEFA competitions.

Now, Birkirkara Men and Women’s Teams, Hamrun Spartans Football Club, Balzan FC and Gzira United Football Club will all have the chance to be rewarded the same amount but for every stage they advance in the qualifications.

In a press conference with the team, Clayton Bartolo announced the incentive as yet another investment into the sports sector as the teams continue to push the level both locally and away from our shores.

Good luck to all teams!

#MaltaDaily