IGM Urges Police Action After Journalists Harassed By Accused’s Relatives

Feb 27 2025

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) took to social media to issue a statement of condemnation in regards to the harassment journalists faced when reporting on the AFM drug theft case.

The IGM reported how during Wednesday’s arraignment in connection to the Ħal Safi drug heist, journalists and camerapersons were filmed, threatened & followed while carrying out their work duties.

The IGM reported an incident wherein two journalists and a cameraman were filmed and threatened by relatives of those accused.

‘In another incident, the same relatives followed a journalist and hurled insults at them as they were leaving the court building.’

‘The IĠM condemns the incidents and shows solidarity with the journalists affected. This reminds us all of the real dangers faced by journalists in their line of duty.’

‘While the IĠM would like to thank the police for their prompt response to the threats, and for taking measures to ensure that the journalists on site were protected during and after the hearing, the IĠM also urges the police to take criminal action against the aggressors.’

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4 Plead Not Guilty In AFM Drug Heist Case

Feb 27 2025

Four men have pleaded not guilty to charges related to the theft of 226kg of cannabis resin from an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) facility in Safi.

The suspects—Sean Attard (30), Carlos Pace (23), Yousef Essesi (33), and Cleaven Pace (19)—were among 12 arrested during police raids on Tuesday and Wednesday. Another suspect is set to be charged separately.

The accused face multiple charges, including theft, criminal association for drug trafficking, and cannabis possession. Carlos Pace also breached prior bail conditions.

Police tracked them down using vehicle surveillance, leading to a raid in Żebbuġ where several arrests were made.

Officers found 35kg of cannabis in Attard’s car, 33kg with Pace, and 10kg with Essesi. No drugs were found on Cleaven Pace, though he admitted to being at the crime scene.

The court denied bail and issued a freezing order on the suspects’ assets.

Meanwhile, AFM commander Brigadier Clinton O’Neil was suspended, and an inquiry into security failures has begun. Opposition leaders have called for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, vowing a tougher stance on drug crime.

#MaltaDaily

Rachel Cuschieri Marks 100th Appearance For Malta Women’s Team

Feb 27 2025

Ahead of the Malta Women’s National team last Tuesday, Rachel Cuschieri became the latest player on the squad to be presented with her ‘100th cap’ as commemoration of the milestone.

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A post shared by Rachel Cuschieri (@rachelcuschieri8)

The milestone was reached in a match against Portugal last July, and was presented by Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo with a purple and gold cap as well as a 100 football kit shirt.

‘Rachel is an encouragement to all the female youngsters wanting to take football not only as a means of engagement in a football club, but as a career’, wrote Vassallo.

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A post shared by FLOWSPORTS (@flowsports)

‘I remember her on the dusty pitches of my once home club, day after day kicking the ball with that dream of making it a professional pathway.’

#MaltaDaily

New Diabetes Research Project Launch: INNO-Diab

Feb 26 2025

During a recent press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, unveiled a new research initiative aimed at tackling critical health issues in Malta, including diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers, and cholesterol.

This project, titled INNO-Diab, is the fourth such project launched this year and has received an investment of €60,000. It will be led by Professor Joseph Borg and his team from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta.

With diabetes currently affecting 11% of the adult population in Malta, the INNO-Diab project seeks to improve the quality of life for those impacted by this widespread condition.

By harnessing cutting-edge technology and new biological testing methods, the project aims to accelerate the healing process for diabetic wounds and reduce the need for amputations associated with diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

In his speech, Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the importance of research in addressing the country’s health challenges. He stressed that technology plays a crucial role in overcoming these issues.

“Diabetes is a significant problem in Malta, affecting many families, and this project will ensure that healthcare facilities continue to evolve to better meet the needs of those affected,” said Azzopardi Tanti.

He also praised the Government’s commitment to advancing public health, noting that the funds are being directed toward research that improves lives. “We are committed to leading the way in healthcare innovation through these types of research projects,” he added.

Professor Joseph Borg also expressed his satisfaction with the Government’s investment, emphasising the transformative potential of scientific research.

Through collaborations with both local and international partners, the project is making great strides in developing new approaches to managing diabetes. Borg highlighted the success of the Maleth Project, which focuses on foot ulcers and genetic research, as an example of how these efforts are yielding promising results for improved diagnoses and treatments.

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