Saudi Arabia Lifts 72 Year Old Alcohol Ban For 1st Time

Jan 26 2024

Saudi Arabia has ended a seven-decade-long ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol by opening an off-licence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter.

This marks a significant move in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aiming to liberalize the kingdom and diversify its economy beyond oil.

The shop, open only to non-Muslim envoys, requires customers to carry diplomatic passports and register to purchase fixed amounts of alcoholic beverages.

Diplomats can also import specific quantities to address the issue of uncontrolled alcohol smuggling in diplomatic pouches.

The alcohol ban still applies to Saudis, Muslim, and non-Muslim non-diplomatic foreigners. Although possessing or consuming alcohol in Saudi Arabia is a crime, foreign contractors have historically produced and consumed illicit drinks within their compounds.

The kingdom was founded in 1932, and the alcohol ban for all citizens and residents was implemented in 1952 after an incident involving the king’s son.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s series of reforms, starting in 2017-2018, include curbing the religious police, allowing concerts, opening cinemas, and permitting women to drive.

This latest move reflects efforts to attract multinational firms and tourists while aligning with global trends. The potential lifting of the alcohol ban for non-diplomatic non-Muslims could follow the policies of Dubai and Qatar.

#MaltaDaily

Police Join With Monks To Play Music For Kalkara Community

Jan 26 2024

Kalkara mayor Wayne Aquilina shared a wholesome vide of the moment the Malta Police Force joined the Allegra Accordion Group and monks to form a spontaneous band during L-Għodwa taċ-Ċitru.

With everyone playing a different instrument, it didn’t take long for the rest of the community to join in the musical jubilation and clap and sing along.

‘The activities we organise in our community bring such a positive feeling’, wrote Mayor Aquilina.

#MaltaDaily

Delays To Sandra Ramirez Case As Femicide Law Challenged

Jan 26 2024

The commencement of evidence compilation against Fabian Eliuth Garcia Parada, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Sliema, Malta, has been postponed as the defence contests the new femicide law introduced in 2022.

The law categorises the crime as an aggravated form of homicide, subjecting perpetrators to more severe penalties.

Garcia Parada denies the femicide charge in connection with the death of Sandra Ramirez, who was found with stab wounds in January.

His defense argues that the law is discriminatory and violates fundamental rights. The defense contends that denying the accused the ‘crime of passion’ defense in femicide cases is discriminatory, creating a disadvantage for those accused.

This legal challenge mirrors another case where Roderick Cassar is also contesting the femicide law regarding the death of his estranged wife, Bernice.

The femicide law broadens the scope by considering homicides as femicides if resulting from domestic violence, honor killings, misogynistic intentions, religious practices, or sexual abuse. The defense seeks a constitutional court referral to address the perceived human rights issue.

The court has deferred the case until February 6 to allow the prosecution to respond to this unexpected request.

#MaltaDaily

Company Offering $10,000 To Anyone Who Can Go Without Phone For 30 Days

Jan 26 2024

Siggi’s Dairy, an Icelandic-style yogurt company based in New York, is offering a unique incentive to individuals willing to break free from smartphone addiction.

The company is challenging participants to a digital detox program, with a reward of $10,000 for successfully abstaining from smartphone usage for one month. The initiative aims to promote a simpler life with fewer distractions, highlighting the average person’s daily 5.4 hours spent on their phones.

To qualify for the challenge, applicants must submit a 100 to 500-word essay explaining why they need a digital detox and how it aligns with Siggi’s brand philosophy.

The participants, aged 18 or older, must submit their entries by January 31. On February 15, 10 potential winners will be selected to partake in the no-smartphone challenge.

Winners will receive the $10,000 prize, a smartphone lockbox, a flip phone, a one-month prepaid SIM card for the flip phone, and three months’ supply of Siggi’s yogurt.

This unique initiative encourages individuals to reflect on the impact of digital detoxification and offers a substantial reward for embracing a simpler, less distracting lifestyle.

#MaltaDaily