A street brawl in Ħamrun erupted after a tense exchange between two police officers and brothers Elton and Kurt Borg, captured in bodycam footage. The confrontation began when Officer Clive Mallia asked for Elton Borg’s driving licence during a traffic stop. Tensions escalated as Kurt Borg opened the car’s boot, prompting an exchange where Officer Mallia mockingly repeated Borg’s words.

The situation worsened, leading to a physical altercation. Bodycam footage ends just before the brawl, but eyewitness videos shared on social media show the officers being assaulted. One officer suffered a fractured nose, while the other had scratches on his neck.

Five individuals have been charged and are being held in custody, with prosecutors aiming to prosecute the Borg brothers’ father separately. Defence lawyers have raised concerns about Officer Mallia’s demeanour, accusing him of provoking the brothers. Additionally, a second bodycam, worn by another officer, was lost during the fight. The defence argues that the missing footage is critical to understanding the full context of the altercation.

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A solemn gathering of family, friends, and activists took place in Bidnija on Wednesday, marking seven years since the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. At exactly 3:00 p.m., the crowd fell silent at the spot where a car bomb took her life in 2017.

The once ordinary field has become a memorial site, with annual visits to honor her legacy. Mourners arrived with flowers, while many wore shirts bearing the slogan “Daphne was right.” A large placard reading “You will never cancel Daphne” was also on display. The ceremony included readings about her life and work.

Among those present were ambassadors from France, The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Poland, the USA, the British High Commissioner, and a representative from Japan. The Australian and Spanish envoys were expected later in the day. Opposition Leader Bernard Grech also laid flowers at the site earlier.

Despite seven years passing, the full details surrounding her murder remain unresolved. Caruana Galizia was 52 when a bomb placed under her car exploded. The case continues to resonate, as Malta faces ongoing challenges related to corruption and systemic reforms.

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The Student Council Democracy Awards for 2023-2024 were presented, with 32 secondary schools from Malta and Gozo participating in the initiative. The awards aim to encourage active involvement of young people in their schools and promote democratic values.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, highlighted the importance of nurturing democracy from an early age. “Democracy is not just a word; it is a value we must teach and nurture,” he said, praising educators and coordinators for their support of student leaders.

Simon Schembri, Community and Outreach Manager at Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, emphasized the significance of offering students a platform to express their ideas, noting the initiative’s role in shaping future leaders.

Miriam Teuma, CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, stressed the importance of supporting youth in understanding democratic values. “Our aim is to ensure that young people live these values from an early age,” she stated.

Through the councils, students organized activities and developed key skills such as public speaking, planning, and leadership, making a meaningful impact within their schools and communities.

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