Law students frustrated as University to still hold physical exams amid COVID-19 case surge

Jan 7 2022

Law students within the University of Malta have expressed their frustration at the Faculty of Law’s alleged disregard of ‘a particularly serious issue’ as exams are still to be held physically rather than online.

“Hence, how does the Faculty of Laws presume that law students are able to attend physical examinations under these conditions? It is absolutely absurd to think that a student should be forced to attend a physical exam when Malta is amidst a pandemic, unfortunately leading to a high rise in cases again,” an email sent to the Faculty of Laws read.

A petition organised by the students calling for online exams and lectures has since gathered over 1,800 signatures with both students and reportedly a number of lecturers supporting the petition. The students have highlighted they would be forced to attend against their will and with several students already in quarantine or unwell and around 15,000 active cases, it would put families at greater risk. Notwithstanding the anxiety and stress brought upon by such a situation and the alleged unfair nature of the second examination in February?

Do you agree with the students? Or should exams be held physically?

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Drive-through voting booths being considered for voters in quarantine

Jan 7 2022

Times of Malta have reported that ‘drive-through’ polling booths are being considered for the next general election in order to allow individuals who are positive for COVID-19 to vote.

Sources close to the news platform stated that the electoral commission is currently drawing up plans to present the polling booths as a solution for people who are in quarantine, stating that they are “trying to give every eligible voter a chance to cast their ballot, even if they have contracted COVID-19.”

However, a cut-off date has also been mentioned, meaning that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 on the eve or day of the election may not be allowed to vote. A fixed cut-off date has yet to be set and the booths will host early voting, similar to what happens in elderly homes.

One of the sources stated that the idea would need to be voted on by parliament while another stated that, if both parties agreed on it, it would need to be presented to the House before hand. On Thursday, the Nationalist Party called for the government to present the necessary amendments and allow people in quarantine to be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

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Photo source: ABC News / Element5 Digital

Aston Villa announce signing of Phillipe Coutinho

Jan 7 2022

Brazilian playmaker Phillipe Coutinho has shocked every football fan and has joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, from Barcelona. Coutinho will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours to complete his medical. The deal will also give Aston Villa an option to buy the former Liverpool payer come the end of the season.

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Coutinho wanted to return to England after his disappointing €135 million move from Liverpool to Barcelona four years ago. He moved to Aston Villa due to his wish of playing regular football and being involved in an ambitious project, aiming for future success. It is also being reported that a return back to Liverpool was also on the cards, but the Reds didn’t pursue their former star player.

Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Aston Villa will pay around 65% of his wages. He has also stated that Aston Villa manager and former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrad has been crucial in this deal, reportedly calling Coutinho three times in the last 48 hours. The agreement is still subject to the player completing his medical and gaining a work permit.

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Priest claiming ‘gayness worse than possession’ to be charged with online hate speech

Jan 7 2022

Fr David Muscat will reportedly be charged with online hate speech by the Malta Police Force after making statements on Facebook that ‘gayness’ is worse than possession.

Muscat will be arraigned in court end-January after reports were filed against the cleric’s comments by the Malta Gay Rights Movement & Minister for Social Inclusion Julia Farrugia Portelli. Moreover, Minister for Equality Owen Bonnici also stated that “the consequences of fundamentalism is hate,” calling on the authorities to take action on such speech.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna has since issued a formal warning to muscat, calling for a stop to the public “inflammatory and hurtful comments.” Pictures have been making the rounds on social media of Father Muscat at Norman Lowell’s birthday celebration together with Partit Popolari leader Paul Salomone.

Maltese fashion designer Marco Parascandalo has since released a surprise collection with the word “gayyaġni” emblazoned on the pieces to promote the importance of loving oneself.

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