Two Shot Dead In Brussels; Belgium-Sweden Qualifier Cancelled

Oct 17 2023

In a tragic turn of events, the Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was halted at halftime following a shooting in Brussels.

Two individuals lost their lives, prompting players to unanimously opt against continuing the game. The incident occurred just 5 kilometers from the King Baudouin Stadium, where the match was taking place.

The perpetrator, who remains at large, claimed allegiance to the Islamic State.

Belgium and Swedish authorities swiftly heightened security measures to safeguard visiting fans. This incident comes amidst a series of Quran-burning protests in Sweden and Denmark, provoking international outrage and prompting reevaluation of liberal laws on freedom of speech in Scandinavia.

The attack led to a surge in terror threat levels in Brussels and reinforced border checks between France and Belgium. The Belgian Foreign Minister called for resolute action against radicalism, extending condolences to the victims’ families.

Prime Minister De Croo urged vigilance while emphasizing the importance of not sharing sensitive material out of respect for the victims.

#MaltaDaily

Daphne Caruana Galizia Was Assassinated 6 Years Ago Today

Oct 16 2023

Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated on October 16th, 2017 when a car bomb was detonated inside her vehicle close to her Bidnija home.

The killing sparked massive protests and controversies in Malta, with international news reporting on the assassination. Then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat also resigned ‘due to the political crisis’ after mass protests called for his resignation.

Honouring Daphne’s memory, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola posted a photo of her and Daphne’s father, Michael Vella.

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A post shared by Roberta Metsola (@roberta.metsola)

‘Even though she was the subject of attacks, dehumanisation and threats, Daphne never gave up and kept on searching for the truth, relentlessly’ wrote Metsola.

‘Six years later, we remain steadfast in seeing the truth exposed and justice served. Side by side with her father Michael and all her family.’

The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation also took to social media, writing: ‘Today marks 6 years since Daphne’s assassination. Full justice has not been delivered and the conditions that enabled her murder persist. There is no justice without change, but that won’t happen alone. Be part of the process. Join the protest in Valletta tonight.’

The foundation has a set of activities planned for the day, with a demonstration and a vigil planned for Valletta as well as a silent gathering in Bidnija, Mosta.

#MaltaDaily

PN’s Motion To Strengthen Journalism And Freedom Of Expression

Oct 16 2023

In Parliament, the Nationalist Party proposed the appointment of a Select Committee of the House to immediately investigate, carry out a broad consultation and make recommendations to Parliament on the state of journalism and the exercise of the right fundamental of freedom of expression in our country.

PN Leader Bernard Grech said that on the occasion of the sixth year since the assassination of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, he is publicly inviting the Prime Minister to discuss and approve this motion, as a sign of commitment in favour of the protection of journalists and freedom of expression in our country.

During the news conference, Bernard Grech recalled how in July 2021 the report of the Board of Inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia had been published, through which it was recommended that the State should examine in depth the state of journalism and the exercise of the fundamental right of freedom of expression in our country.

The PN Leader said the Government has been dragging its feet for more than two years to carry out the recommendations of the Public Inquiry.

The motion presented also states that:

– The Selected Committee shall be composed and chaired by the Speaker of the House and in his absence by the Deputy Speaker of the House and shall also be composed of three members nominated by the Prime Minister and three members nominated by the Leader of Opposition, and each side of the House must nominate three substitute members;

– The Select Committee will be able to regulate its procedure despite any provision of the Standing Orders of the House and to listen and/or receive opinions, suggestions and recommendations of civil society and the public in general;

– The Select Committee must immediately begin its work and must complete and present its report no later than three months from the date when the Government publishes the white paper with the drafts of new laws.

Bernard Grech also announced that he will be nominating the Deputies Karol Aquilina, Claudette Buttigieg and Graham Bencini to be members of this Selected Committee. He encouraged the Prime Minister to nominate three members so that the Committee can start its work in the shortest possible time.

At the news conference, the PN Leader was accompanied by the Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar, and MPs Karol Aquilina, Claudette Buttigieg and Graham Bencini.

#MaltaDaily

Police Arrest Two After String Of Robberies Across Malta And Gozo

Oct 16 2023

Hours of intense investigations by the Malta Police Force resulted in the arrest of two persons – a 32 year old woman resident of Siġġiewi and a 29 year old man resident of Qormi – who were allegedly involved in a number of robberies in Malta and Gozo.

The alleged robberies of cash took place in shops in Xewkija and Għajnsielem, as well as electronic items from a shop in Rabat, Gozo. Another attempted robbery from a car wash ATM took place in Xewkija, along with the arrest of a motorcycle from Rabat, Għawdex.

The same investigations resulted in the arrest of two persons who were involved in the robbery of a vehicle in Qormi. The vehicle was used in the Gozo robbery and another in Mellieħa. They were involved in another robbery in Ċirkewwa.

An inquiry has been opened, with the two persons reportedly taken to court today at around noon.

Nationalist MP Alex Borg took to social media to welcome the news after having reported the robberies a few hours after they occurred.

He said how the pressures on the police are high and that his appeal for more resources remains strong.

#MaltaDaily