Shopping mall plans by Pama downscaled

Jul 21 2021

The proposed plans to extend the PAMA shopping complex in Mosta for a new mall has been downscaled. It was reported that the new access to the shopping complex will be added due to the present entrance from Pantar road posing a safety risk. PAMA is proposing an entrance further up the road for better visibility for vehicles, as Transport Malta ordered the relocation. The entrance will go through the ODZ site where the new, two-story mall is also being proposed.

The Environment and Resources Authority objected to the plans to build a 7,600sq.m underground mall topped by a roof garden. PAMA will be limiting above-ground development to footprint of a disused marble factory, with underground parking and storage levels restricted to the building’s yard. The rest of the land will be kept as an agricultural area, with a tunnel link connecting the shopping call with the supermarket.

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Photo Source: Malta Chamber of Commerce

New EU ruling allows employers to ban religious dress at work

Jul 21 2021

The European Union’s highest court’s ruling permits employers to ban people from wearing religious dress. The ruling addresses cases brought forth by two Muslim women in Germany who were suspended from their workplaces after they wore headscarves at work. The court’s ruling stated that a ‘prohibition on wearing any visible form of expression of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace may be justified by the employer’s need to present a neutral image towards customers or to prevent social disputes.’

The ruling was heavily criticised by Turkey as a ‘clear violation for religious freedoms.’ The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the ruling was a sign of rising Islamophobia at a time when Muslim women in Europe are being subject to increasing discrimination. The court however states that such restrictions are not discriminatory as long as they apply equally to all expression of religion or belief.

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Photo Source: Reuters, The Independent

Half of Australians back in lockdown and increasingly angry

Jul 21 2021

Around 13 million Australians – approximately half the population – have to endure new lockdown rules despite the rising anger at the decision. As Australia fights to mitigate the spike of the COVID-19 virus, a third state, South Australia, joins Victoria and New South Wales in lockdown. Australia reports the worst rate in terms of vaccination – with just 14% having received the jab. Sydney and Melbourne, the country’s two biggest cities, also face uncertainty over reopening.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was criticised over the slow vaccination rate, despite him citing how Australia kept overall infections well below many nations and only recording 915 deaths. He compared this to the UK’s registering of 90 deaths in a single day despite the country’s full-blown easing of restrictions. Residents fear lockdown could extend into September, as they are only allowed to exit their homes for essential reasons such as exercise and shopping.

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Photo Source: Trip Advisor

John Dalli demands apology from Repubblika after corruption allegation

Jul 21 2021

Former European Commissioner John Dalli has demanded an apology from civil society group Repubblika after being called an untouchable for police. During a protest held by the group yesterday evening outside the Floriana Police headquarters, Repubblika demanded action by the police on several alleged corruption cases which involve high-ranking government officials and businessmen, among whom Dalli was mentioned.

Dalli himself, a former Nationalist Minister, was forced to resign from this post as European Commissioner in 2012 following an EU investigation. In 2013 he was appointed as a consultant on healthcare to ex-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In a statement this morning, Dalli stated that Repubblika (whom he called ‘exalted puppets’), decided to associate him with corruption. He also accuses the European Commission of obstructing justice as well as calling late journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia a ‘perverse criminal’ who, allegedly invented calumnies.

The calumnies referred to are him owning Egrant, being involved in 17 Black and being involved in the privatisation of hospitals. He ended the statement by demanding an apology from Repubblika or stating that he expects the allegations to be substantiated.

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Photo Source: Occupy Justice Malta, Wikipedia