TikTok and Netflix shut down services in Russia as sanctions continue

Mar 7 2022

Both Netflix and TikTok have suspended their services, joining the list of digital providers blocking users in protest over the invasion of Ukraine.

Joining the likes of Disney, Warner Bros, Ikea, Visa and Mastercard, Netflix announced that it will be halting all future projects and Russian acquisitions as well as removing all state-run programming from its site.

The move was backed by social media platform giant TikTok, which announced that it would halt all the posting of content from Russia in the wake of the ‘fake news’ legislation.

This is in reference to Russia effectively banning words such as ‘invasion’ and ‘assault’ in the media. Moscow’s defence ministry said that Russian media should stick to the official version of events, accusing a number of independent media outlets of spreading ‘unreliable socially significant untrue information.’

TikTok responded to this announcement by stating that ‘in light of Russia’s new fake news law, we have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law.’

Russians can now face up to 15 years in prison for publishing ‘fake news’ or could be fined up to 1.5 million rubles or a fine worth the convict’s aggregate wages for up to 18 months.

This lead to the BBC, Bloomberg News and the Canadian Broadcasting Company to pull their correspondents from Russia. Bloomberg’s editor-in-chief said that the change in the criminal code makes it impossible to continue any semblance of normal journalism inside the country.

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Bulgarian motorcyclist seriously injured after traffic accident

Bulgarian food courier seriously injured after traffic accident

Mar 7 2022

Police were informed yesterday evening of a traffic accident at around 1945hrs which took place in Triq il-President Anton Buttigieg, Zejtun.

Upon convening on the site, police found from preliminary investigations that a crash had occurred between a motorcycle of the type Honda 600, driven by a 38-year-old Bulgarian man, and a Mitsubishi L200, driven by a 63-year-old Zejtun resident.

The motorcycle driver, who was a food courier, was given preliminary aid by the medical team and subsequently taken to Mater Dei via ambulance. He was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Nationalist Party should not interpret votes not cast as being in their favour, says Abela

Mar 6 2022

Addressing a Labour Party mass rally at the Paola Sports Pavilion, Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader stated that they are venturing into the future with ‘trust, optimism and realism’.

During his speech, Abela stated that the Nationalist Party should not interpret votes not cast as being in their favour, appealing to voters to confide their trust in the Labour Party on March 26th. He went on to highlight that the world continues to face a moment of crisis due to the instability brought about by Russian attacks on Ukraine, saying that now more than ever, the people should send a message of courage and maintain neutrality to spread peace.

The Prime Minister outlined that certain difficult decisions had to be made to address certain drawbacks but that it is time to look to the future. “That is why I need to remain with me during the next 20 days”, highlighting the need for those who believe in the good of the country to continue building on it. Calling on long-time members of the Labour Party, those who were part of the party’s ‘movement’ and those who will be voting for the first time, Robert Abela stated that he wishes to work hand in hand with everyone to reach new aspirations for this country.

Abela will be present during the Labour Party’s fund-raising marathon this evening at the party’s headquarters.

What do you make of this?

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‘Robert Abela has learned nothing’; Bernard Grech criticises Prime Minister at PN Rally in Naxxar

Mar 6 2022

Following speeches from FOIPN President Jamie Vella and Claudio Grech, Nationalist Party Leader took the stage in Naxxar to address the Nationalist Party followers in attendance.

Grech began by thanking the people for their attendance, highlighting the fact that the crowds continue to grow week after week, and that this was a positive week for the Nationalist Party as it continues to meet with the people. The PN leader highlighted that such communication is at the epicentre of the party’s values, going on to argue that Robert Abela has had little to no communication with the media. Grech stated that while he has welcomed the media & encouraged discussion, Robert Abela has ‘learned nothing’ during his tenure.

Grech went on to admit certain errors within the PN manifest, stating that those who do not try do not have mistakes. Referring to the Labour Party, Grech stated that it is obvious that they would spot mistakes in the PN’s electoral manifesto as they ‘attempted to copy it’.

Pointing towards the general election date on March 26, Grech called on party followers and those who are not close to the party to put their trust and mark in the Nationalist Party, and that he will continue to lend an ear to those who wish to communicate and discuss, both now and in the future.

Watch the full address below:

What do you think of Grech’s statements?

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