Sliema murder suspect Abner Aquilina reportedly attacked two men before killing Paulina Dembska

Jan 16 2022

Sources have told Times of Malta that Sliema murder suspect Abner Aquilina tried to attack two men before the brutal rape and murder of Paulina Dembska in Independence Gardens.

The news platform revealed that the incident took place on the Balluta promenade mere minutes before the murder took place at Independence Gardens. The police have stated that they have solid evidence of the encounter but, as of yet, have not identified the two men.

Investigators have deemed Aquilina ‘sexually conflicted’ and are reportedly investigating whether or not he was previously engaged in male prostitution. The Malta Police Force have previously stated that “there was no specific target, no particular sex was targeted, nor was the victim specifically targeted.”

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

Novak Djokovic set to be deported and banned from entering Australia

Jan 16 2022

Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to be deported from Australia, after he lost an appeal to regain his visa in front of the country’s Federal Court. The player is potentially also facing a 3-year ban from entering Australia except “compelling circumstances that affect the national interest”.

He will now not be able to defend his Australian Grand Slam crown nor be able to win a record breaking 21st Grand Slam win. He was set to set to play against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanović.

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The decision to cancel his visa for a second time was made by immigration minister Alex Hawke. His decision was than upheld by three federal court judges, on the basis of public interest grounds. Djokovic had already had his visa taken away from him but unlike this time, he won it back in a court hearing.

It is also being reported that Government lawyers were in favour of his deportation as they feared an increase of anti-vaccination influence during Australia’s worst outbreak of the Coronavirus since the pandemic began in early 2020.

In a statement made via the Australian news outlet The Age, the Serb had this to say;

“I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing.”

“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.”

“I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.”

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.”

“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.”

“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.”

“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”

#MaltaDaily

Scientists predict more concerning variants after Omicron

Jan 16 2022

Scientists have warned that the Omicron COVID-19 variant is not the last version of coronavirus we will be seeing. Due to the heavily-mutated nature, rapid spread and stronger immunity from vaccines & previous illness, the Omicron variant will be able to infect more people in which it can evolve.

Boston University infectious disease epidemiologist Leonardo Martinez has stated that the fast the variant spread, the more likely it is that mutation will occur, leading to more variants. Since it’s mid-November discovery, Omicron has spread across the globe like wildfire, with research showing that it is twice as contagious as the delta variant and at least four times as contagious as the original strain of the virus.

Between 3rd and 9th January, the World Health Organization reported a 55% increase in global case from the previous week, registering a record 15-million new cases. Infectious disease expert from Johns Hopkins University Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray has noted that the longer infections seem like “the most likely breeding grounds for new variants.” Addressing questions of whether or not the virus will evolve and become less mild, Dr. Ray said that he doesn’t think “we can be confident that the virus will become less lethal over time.”

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

Both party leaders decline in trust rating whilst Labour retains comfortable 46,000 lead

Jan 16 2022

A recent survey published by MaltaToday has revealed that Robert Abela has seen a four-point drop in his trust rating, which currently stands at 47.3% while PN leader Bernard Grech stands at 26% after a 0.5-point drop.

Such ratings leave Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Robert Abela ahead by 21.3 points however, the survey also highlights an increase in people who trust none of the party leaders, with the figure rising to 21.1%.

The percentage of people who have stated that they do not trust either one of the party leaders is reportedly the highest it has ever been. Despite this, the Labour Party still retains a comfortable advantage of approximately 46,000 votes.

If any, who would you put your trust in?

#MaltaDaily