Man arrested as police search for second attacker of Sliema jogger

Jun 16 2022

Times of Malta confirmed that police have arrested a man and are searching for another suspect after they reportedly assaulted a 62-year-old man who was enjoying his morning jog on Thursday morning in Sliema.

A police spokesperson confirmed with the newspaper that officers to a distress call on the Sliema seafront, where they found a man who claimed to have been assaulted by two people.

The police were able to apprehend one hand, finding a knife in the vicinity of the alleged aggressor. The suspect is currently under questioning as investigations continue to determine whether the knife belonged to him.

The victim said he was enjoying his morning run when one of two men sitting on a bench stood up and punched him in the face.

The attack came out of the blue, explained the man, with the punch sending him tumbling away on the grass. After he started shouting for help, the men ran away. Two other men walking close by saw the altercation and gave chase, managing to apprehend the man.

The victim, Louis Spiteri, took to Facebook to explain the attack, asking ‘Is Sliema promenade safe anymore?’

‘I am a 62 yrs old, and every morning I enjoy going out for a walk or a jog. Can I still do this? Is Sliema Promenade safe anymore??? All this happened at 7.15 am, when the Promenade is busy with joggers.’ He went on to thank the two men who helped him, saying that he might have been lucky today as it could have been much worse.

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Photo Source: Google Maps, Louis Spiteri FB

Judicial protest by Maltese women to decriminalise and legalise abortion

Jun 16 2022

The Foundation for Women’s Rights has filed a judicial protest in Malta’s court on behalf of over 180 women of child-bearing age who could potentially get pregnant.

In Malta, the practice is not only prohibited but also criminalised. Outside the court, Lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic explained that the lack of action by the Health Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality and the State Advocate is having direct effect on women’s quality of life.

In a statement, the Women’s Rights Foundation said that ‘abortion bans do not change the fact that abortion is a necessary health service and banning abortion does not stop it from happening.’

‘In fact, as we know all too well, every day, a woman in Malta has an abortion, yet we remain the only nation in the EU that criminalises these women and does not allow the procedure to take place safely and legally, irrespective of the circumstances.’

The press release pointed to women who were raped and had to go through forced pregnancies or went on to experience condemnation for getting an abortion. Others have health conditions which an accidental pregnancy could have serious consequences upon.

‘The political class of this country had every chance to do what is right and our pleas have been ignored for too long. We are pledging today that this judicial protest is only the first step. We are ready to take our battle to the courts of law, both local and European, and we will be heard.’

Read full press release here.

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Photo Source: Women’s Rights Foundation FB

US school no longer permitted to force girls to wear skirts

Jun 16 2022

An American federal court has decided that a private school is violating the constitutional rights of girl students by forcing them to wear a skirt with their uniform.

The founder of the Charter Day School in Leland, North Carolina argued that the skirt requirement for female students was to uphold traditional values and that girls are ‘fragile vessels’ deserving of ‘gentle treatment by boys.’

The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia slammed the skirt requirement, deciding it was unconstitutional on June 14th. The case was brought by three students, challenging the rule and arguing it was rooted in gender stereotypes.

The school however argued that the institution was not a state actor and should not be bound by the Equal Protection Clause, saying ‘we respectfully disagree with the majority’s opinion.’

In Malta, female students are still reportedly given detentions or other penalties should they not wear their uniform properly. Most students only start wearing casual clothes after secondary.

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Joseph Mbong joins Israeli Premier League football club Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C.

Jun 16 2022

Joseph Mbong, a local footballer who plays as forward for Hamrun Spartans, has just been selected to join Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona FC, an Israeli Premier League football club.

The older brother of two other local footballers on the island, Mbong went on to represent Malta’s national team.

A product of Hibernians, he joined Hamrun Spartans in 2020. He was a crucial part for the latter team, bringing it back to its former glory and winning the 8th Maltese premier league in their history after 30 years.

Mbong has been attracting many foreign teams in the previous years due to his incredible pitch performances. He became a star for both the club and the country, with Hamrun Spartans saluting the player for his new experience with the Israeli club.

Congratulations and massive good luck Joseph Mbong!

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