Youth protesting for Jean Paul Sofia escorted away by police

Apr 25 2023

A youth hanging a banner outside Parliament reading ‘Justice for Jean Paul Sofia’ was escorted away after an individual filed a report claiming that he was wearing a balaclava and acting suspicious.

The youth, donning a red hoodie, hung a banner outside Malta’s parliament to call for justice for the death of his late friend, Jean Paul Sofia, who died after the Corradino building he was protesting in collapsed.

Times of Malta revealed that the youth was taken away for further interrogations, but it was clarified that he was not in fact wearing a balaclava.

A police spokesperson also told Times of Malta that the man fled the scene when he saw police officers approaching him. He was released after it was established that nothing sinister was taking place.

The incident spurred reactions from various figures, including PN MP Eve Borg Bonello.

The youngest MP to hold a seat in Parliament expressed absolute solidarity with the youth, going on to say that ‘we arrest innocent people protesting peacefully, just like what is done in North Korea.’

Jerome Caruana Cilia also issued a statement, asking how many people will a public inquiry bother.

‘Ironically, despite those who are allegedly guilty not yet being arrested and taken to court, the person who hung a banner for justice for Jean Paul was arrested immediately over a false report.’

Meanwhile, Alex Borg also commented, saying that the police were reacting over an order and that there is no need to attack the officials.

‘One should ask where the order came from. The speed with which the order was given to interrogate and escort the protesting youth lies in stark contrast with the dragging of feet when it comes to revealing the cause of death of (Jean Paul).’

#MaltaDaily

Heavy traffic as motorcycle crash blocks St Venera tunnel

Apr 25 2023

Rush hour traffic has reportedly come to a standstill due to a motorcycle crash which blocked off the southbound Santa Venera tunnel.

Times of Malta reported that an accident occurred at 0739hrs, with a motorcycle ending up wedged between two cars on both lanes.

Officials and an ambulance were on site quickly, the newsroom reported. It is unclear as of yet whether someone was injured in the incident.

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Source: Times of Malta

Air Malta will not hire new employees, Finance Minister states

Apr 25 2023

Speaking in parliament on Monday, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana confirmed that Air Malta will not be employing any more people.

The Finance Minister responded to various parliamentary questions by stating that the airline’s workforce has been reduced to 375 from 1,000 whilst under his watch.

He also insisted that, regardless of the outcome of the Brussels negotiations, Malta will have a national airline. Should the airline continue to operate eight planes, the minister said that the current staffing is optimal.

This comes after Times of Malta reported how the European Commission forbade any more state aid for the government as the airline’s era comes to an end.

Chairman of the airline David Curmi also confirmed to the same newsroom that a new airline should be introduced by the end of this year. This was not confirmed by the Finance Minister himself, who instead pointed to the ongoing negotiations with the Commission.

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Birth control pills made free in Italy despite drop in birth rates

Apr 24 2023

In a groundbreaking decision, Italy has approved free access to birth control pills for women of all ages. The move comes despite the country experiencing a significant drop in its birth rate in recent years.

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) approved the decision to make oral contraception free, with full implementation pending the validation of the AIFA board of directors. According to AIFA CPR Giovanna Scroccaro’s statement to Quotidiano Sanità, the decision will cost approximately €140 million per year.

This decision marks a significant shift in Italy’s approach to birth control. Until now, birth control pills have only been available with a prescription, and many women have struggled to afford the costs associated with obtaining them.

Italy’s birth rate has been declining for years, with the country now experiencing one of the lowest birth rates in the world. However, the decision to make birth control pills free suggests that the government also recognises the importance of providing women with greater reproductive autonomy.

While the decision to make birth control pills free may not immediately result in a significant increase in Italy’s birth rate, it represents a step towards greater gender equality and reproductive freedom.

#MaltaDaily