Postponed abortion referendum to be held by Gibraltar

Jun 24 2021

Following constant delay for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gibraltar will be heading to the polls Thursday to vote on easing draconian abortion laws. Initially planned to be held on March 19th 2020, the vote was postponed as virus cases began spiking significantly in the close-knit community of 32,000 people.

Abortion is still banned in the British enclave at the southernmost tip of Spain, except in cases where it would save the mother’s life. The penalty for breaking this law is life imprisonment but it has not been applied in modern times. The government is proposing changing the law to allow abortion where a woman’s mental or physical health is at risk, which includes cases of rape or incest, or even in the case of foetuses having fatal physical defects.

Until now, women have had to travel to Spain or Britain to undergo the procedure. Under the changes, a woman would be able to undergo an abortion up to 12 weeks into her pregnancy. There would be no time limit on cases involving fatal foetal anomaly.

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Photo Source: Brittanica, EURACTIV

WATCH: Fire extinguisher bursts as police try to open door to Vesuvio Bakery

Jun 24 2021

The police were called to Qormi Road, Hamrun yesterday following reports of a burning smell coming out of an apartment under which Vesuvio Bakery is located. Police tried to open the door, with one attempting to use a fire extinguisher to make their way inside. The fire extinguisher however burst, releasing a white cloud in the crowd formed at the bakery entrance.

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Police eventually made their way into the bakery and control the situation. No one was injured and Vesuvio Bakery issued a statement saying that the incident had nothing to do with their bakery. The bakery team ensured everyone that their team is okay and the bakery is set to operate as usual with all necessary precautions taken.

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Police surround St. George’s bay following mass gatherings reports

Jun 24 2021

Following several days and weekends of reports of illegal mass gatherings on St. George’s bay, police took action by supervising the bay throughout last night. Allegedly accompanied by police dogs, the police occupied every entrance and exit of the bay to ensure that no illegal mass gatherings take place and that everyone adheres to social distancing and other COVID-19 health restrictions.

This comes after footage surfaced online week after week showing partygoers convening in large crowds on the Paceville beach as clubs and bars closed doors at midnight. Several people, including club owners and those involved in the entertainment industry, have repeatedly spoken out to state that the club curfew is only contributing to the illegal gatherings. This most recent intervention seems to have efficiently kept gatherings from forming.

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Prime Minister Robert Abela addresses grey-listing during press conference

Jun 23 2021

Addressing a press conference following the Financial Action Task Force’s decision to place Malta on its grey-list, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that Malta will remain committed to continue the reform programme. Even though the decision was deemed unjust for Malta, the Prime Minister stated that Malta’s achievements will be acknowledged through intense dialogue with the entities in question.

Abela stated that the reform and work will be done with the governmental conviction that Malta is a modern country led by a strong government. He said that as Prime Minister, it is his duty to ensure that Maltese families and workers have the best possible institutions to protect their rights. He commended the Maltese ambassadors and leaders of organisations who defended Malta against money laundering for delivering a strong message during the FATF consultations.

Abela stated that he will not shy away from taking necessary steps to change how things are run whenever and wherever is required. Despite all the challenges, especially the unexpected introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister stated that he will still see to it that the government builds on all of Malta’s positive attributes and hard work. He encouraged the population to stay united as the work continues despite the grey-listing set back.

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