Ridicule of disability to become official hate crime in new criminal code

Jul 13 2021

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli stated in parliament that ridiculing people for their disability will become a crime punishable by imprisonment. The changes to the Criminal Code were approved by Cabinet, with Farrugia Portelli putting forth the first reading in parliament on Monday afternoon. The current law gives protection against hate crimes towards various groups and minorities, but disabled persons are not referenced.

Farrugia Portelli stated that it is unacceptable to have politicians demonising people and families in relation to disability. Police will thus be given the tools to take criminal action when such cases of ridicule, attack or humiliation arise. The changes were praised by many, including PL MP Oliver Scicluna who stated that this is the step in the right direction to protect persons of disability.

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Photo Source: Julia Farrugia Portelli, Oliver Scicluna FB

Zurrieq’s Wied Fulija transformed into a green open space

Jul 13 2021

Wied Fulija, a former landfill in Zurrieq, has been transformed into a green landscape for the public to enjoy. With an investment of around € 4.5 Million, the space has become home for well over 43,000 trees and bushes whilst also spanning some of Zurrieq’s most panoramic Cliffside’s. The initiative in favour of biodiversity spans about 90 acres, with a water reservoir installed to guarantee the sustainability of the project.

Inaugurating the project, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the landscape was rehabilitated more closely to its natural state. Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia, also speaking at the inauguration, stated that future generations will not see the landfill full of waste but instead will enjoy the fresh air and natural aesthetic which Wied Fulija will provide.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB

73 cases of sexual and physical abuse of children reported in 2021 so far

Jul 13 2021

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri revealed on Monday that 73 cases of physical and sexual assault on minors have been reported since the start of 2021. Responding to a parliamentary question posed by PL Mp Silvio Grixti, Camilleri revealed the information in parliament, with the cases being split into categories of bodily harm, domestic violence and sexual offences.

Of these 73 cases, 18 were sexual offences, 30 bodily harm and 25 domestic violence. The information also revealed that since 2018 there have been 95 reports of sexual offences against children and under-18s. 2020 received the highest number of such reports, reaching up to 30. As a total of all categories, 2019 saw the highest number of reports being made at a total of 168.

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Photo Source: Pixabay, Byron Camilleri FB, TVM

Spain reintroduces curfews after COVID-19 spike among youth

Jul 13 2021

Regions across Spain are reintroducing curfews and restrictions on events following a spike in COVID-19 infections among young people. The Delta variant seems to be the culprit behind most of the new infections, with most of those who contracted the virus unvaccinated young people. Northern region Asturias banned indoor bar and restaurant operations on Monday, with Mediterranean coast regions Catalonia and Valencia limiting social gatherings to 10 people and restricting late night events.

Spain’s total two week infection load is up three times higher among under 30s than the average. The variable rose throughout the nation on Monday to 368 cases registered per 100,000 residents. Spain’s health emergency response coordinator Fernando Simón stated that despite patients aged under 30 not needing intensive care, the high number of cases was slowly pushing up hospitalisation rates.

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Photo Source: Schengen Visa