Maltese taxi driver loses license after being found guilty of profiting from prostitution

Apr 14 2022

After admitting that he was profiting from prostitution and pleading guilty to taking commissions from a massage parlour, a Maltese taxi driver has lost the possibility of renewing his license.

Carmel Schembri admitted to profiting from prostitution and managing a brothel and was given a 14-month jail sentence suspended for two years along with a fine of €1,500.

Schembri did not persuade the Court of Justice to revoke Transport Malta’s decision to withdraw his license after the Court ruled that the law did not give the authority the discretion.

When debating the decision, Schembri argued that it was unfair and that considerations were irrelevant and out of proportion, sustaining that he always offered the best service to his clients and that it was his only livelihood. On the other side of the coin, Transport Malta held that a tag cannot be issued if an individual is found guilty of such charges.

Schembri was reportedly renting out properties in Hamrun, Luqa and St. Paul’s to use them as massage parlours, with the Malta Police Force uncovering that they were being used as brothels.

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Alicia Bugeja Said and Rebecca Buttigieg sworn in as Parliamentary Secretaries

Apr 14 2022

Rebecca Buttigieg and Alicia Bugeja Said have officially been sworn in as Parliamentary Secretaries early today.

On Wednesday, Buttigieg was elected via casual election on the ninth district, with Bugeja Said getting into Parliament through the gender corrective mechanism.

In a recent Facebook post, Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the two’s entry into Parliament, sustaining that the equality and reform sectors require further change in order to ensure a more just society.

He went on to state that our country must look towards improving Malta’s fishing and aquaculture and protect the interests of fishermen whilst exploring new possibilities and opportunities. With regards to animal rights, Abela said that the government has a number of solid proposals it will be implementing this legislature.

Earlier today, Andy Ellul was also appointed Labour Party whip, replacing Glenn Bedingfield.

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Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul appointed Labour Party Whip; replaces Glenn Bedingfield

Apr 14 2022

Andy Ellul, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue within the Office of the Prime Minister has been appointed whip of the Labour Party Parliamentary Group.

Ellul first got co-opted into parliament back in January 2022 after former Member of Parliament Silvio Grixti resigned. Ellul contested the last election on districts one and three, getting elected directly on the third.

Naomi Cachia will serve as Ellul’s assistant whip after getting into Parliament via the gender corrective mechanism on Tuesday.

Andy Ellul will replace Glenn Bedingfield, who served as Labour Party Whip during the past legislature.

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Anġlu Farrugia to remain speaker; Abela says there is no need for change

Apr 14 2022

When asked on the Maltese Parliament’s Speaker role, Robert Abela revealed that there is no need for a change in the person who occupies that role, solidifying the fact that Anġlu Farrugia will remain Parliamentary Speaker.

The Prime Minister’s response shuts down previous rumours of a potential new speaker in the House of Representatives.

Anġlu Farrugia first occupied the speaker role back in 2013 and this will be his third legislature as Speaker within the house of representatives.

#MaltaDaily