Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Ex-Miss Turkey gets suspended sentence for insulting President Erdogan
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Mother and her lesbian civil partner found guilty of murder after battering 2-year-old to death
A mother and her civil partner have been convicted of murdering her two-year-old son before trying to pin the blame on another child, the Daily Mail reports.
Toddler Liam Fee was found dead at his home near Glenrothes in Fife in March 2014, having suffered a ruptured heart as a result of severe blunt force trauma to his body.
His mother, Rachel Fee, 31, and her partner Nyomi Fee, 29, denied killing him but were convicted of murder following a seven-week trial at the High Court in Livingston.
The court heard that Liam suffered heart injuries similar to those found on road crash victims after receiving blows to his chest and abdomen.
The pathologist who examined his body also found more than 30 external injuries on the toddler's body and fractures to the boy's upper arm and thigh.
The couple claimed another young boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was responsible for Liam's death.
In addition to the murder charge, they were found guilty of assaulting Liam over a period of more than two years prior to his death.
The women, originally of Ryton, Tyne and Wear, were today also found guilty of a catalogue of abuse against two other young boys.
These included forcing the youngsters to take cold showers when they wet the bed, imprisoning one in a home-made cage and tying another naked to a chair in a dark room where snakes and rats were kept.
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Man gets suspended sentence, treatment order for stabbing bar patron in the neck
A man who stabbed another man in the neck during a bar fight in Hamrun three years ago has been handed a suspended sentence and placed under psychological treatment.
George Vella, 60, of Santa Venera had originally been charged with the attempted murder of Alan Grima at the Union Bar in Hamrun, on 13 October 2013.
He was also charged with grievously injuring Mr Grima, causing him permanent damage to his face and neck, being in possession of a blade during the commissioning of a crime, breaching the peace and being drunk in public.
A court had heard, during Mr Vella's arraignment, that Mr Grima was stabbed in the neck with a knife during an argument with the accused. Mr Vella ran away after the incident but was found by RIU officers shortly after, covered in blood and still holding the knife.
Defence lawyer Franco Debono had told the court that the man has been under medical and psychiatric care and was awaiting a board's decision to stop working.
The attempted murder charge was dropped at some point during the proceedings.
In handing down its sentence, the court noted that the accused had admitted to the charges. It also took noted of the testimony of psychiatrist Joseph Spiteri and a probation officer and heard how Mr Vella's condition had stabilized and that his drug tests were repeatedly coming up negative.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech said a jail sentence was not ideal in this case. She handed down a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended to four years. Mr Vella was also fined €116 and ordered to pay €4,952 in court fees.
The court also issued a three-year protection order in favour of the victim while the accused was placed under a three-year treatment order to receive the necessary psychological care.
Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Vella.
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Birkirkara local council to take part in a travel project for senior citizens
During the launch in Malta of a project to develop better tourism for senior citizens in which the Birkirkara Local Council collaborated with the Mediterranean Academy of Culture, Tourism and Trade based in Italy, the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis stated that this initiative was a unique opportunity for both local senior citizens as well as the local tourism industry alike. The EU funded project is aimed at incentivising individuals aged 60 to 70, already retired and receiving a pension, to travel in the low and medium seasons.
The programme includes training on how to use tourism and travel related portals and booking sites on the web and digital platforms to enable senior citizens plan and create their own holidays. Holiday providers are also being encouraged to cater for the needs of older travellers by placing relevant emphasis on cultural activities and venues (guided tours and theatres) and safety while promoting the use of current technology, including mobile apps.
Research is furthermore being conducted in five European countries namely – Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria – with the aim of identifying best practices to be shared among participating countries. There will also be training sessions for destination managers and local guides.
The Minister was pleased that Malta was chosen as a partner as Malta can also be seen as a natural 'laboratory' in order to develop new tourism models. The geographical position of the Maltese Islands and our diverse population place us among the top destinations in the Mediterranean and therefore ready to welcome further sustainable tourism while also being more open to senior citizens.
The Minister said that Malta must keep abreast of developments if we want to remain competitive in a very dynamic tourism market. In this regard, later on this year, the Government shall launch a number of schemes aimed at increasing the trade's online presence. In collaboration with a number of other Ministries, the Ministry for Tourism is planning a comprehensive tourism digital platform, giving visitors all the information they need at their fingertips in one location.
Dr Zammit Lewis highlighted the statistics issued by the Malta Tourism Authority for 2015 indicating that individuals above the age of 55 prefer to travel within the shoulder months (winter 27%, Spring 29% and Autumn 26%) with the majority (49% all year round) choosing Malta due to a favourable climate; (45%) for its history and culture (30%) as well as for value for money. Statistics show that 57% chose a package and 33% a non-package with the majority (59%) booking through a tour operator or travel agency. Only 21% booked exclusively from an internet-based travel operator, however 63% used the internet at some stage or another of their booking process.
The Minister for Tourism also invited Birkirkara locals to apply through the local council whereas eight participants will have this unique opportunity to get fully acquainted with the current digital tools for a better touristic experience. This EU-funded project that is managed in Italy is entitled "Please let enjoy a Seniors Experience."
Furthermore the Mayor of Birkirkara Ms Joanne Debono Grech said that "as the biggest local council in Malta we are always happy to contribute and take part in cultural initiatives such as this one, which will give an opportunity to a number of our local elders to actively participate in the project LEAR promoting culture and tourism. The Birkirkara local council has already provided marketing facilities and granted the opportunity to the Mediterranean Academy of Culture, Tourism and Trade to participate in our annual outdoor cultural event titled Birkirkara maż-Żminijiet to be held on Saturday 11th June".
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Mercedes lands man in jail for life another six years
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Man serving life over deadly Zejtun bomb gets another six years for attempted murder
A man who is serving a life sentence over a bomb attack that killed an innocent woman in Zejtun 11 years ago has been jailed for another six years for attempted murder. Both cases are related to the same inheritance dispute.
Ronnie Azzopardi, 44, from Cospicua was charged with the attempted murder of Kevin Attard, who was in a relationship with his deceased brother's wife. The brother, Jason Azzopardi, was murdered in 2001 and the accused was locked in bitter inheritance dispute with the woman – Mary Rose Cassar.
He was also accused of attempting to murder Josef Tabone, being in illegal possession of a shotgun and knife, damaging two cars and relapsing.
The court heard how, on 29 October 2003, at around 6:45pm, Kevin Attard was leaving a Cospicua gym with Mr Tabone. At one point he saw the accused spring out from behind a tree and fire three shots from a shotgun. Two shots hit the car but Mr Attard slammed on the gas pedal and sped off. No one was injured.
Kevin Attard explained that he was in a relationship with Mary Rose Cassar. At the time Ms Cassar had a dispute with the accused over a Mercedes car which had belonged to Jason Azzopardi. The accused claimed his brother wanted him to have the car but a court awarded the vehicle to Mrs Cassar, who planned to sell it. The accused had taken against Mr Attard simply because he was going out with Mrs Cassar, the court heard.
Forensic experts told the court that Mr Attard's car and another vehicle had been hit by shotgun pellets. Gunshot residue was found on Ronnie Azzopardi's face and clothes.
The accused chose to testify and claimed that he had spent the day at his mother's house before going to Paceville with his girlfriend, Rita Azzopardi. There a friend told him he was being named in connection with a shooting in Cospicua.
The court found several inconsistencies in Mr Azzopardi's testimony. He had told the court that he eventually returned home with his partner but the police established that he returned home on his own.
He claimed he had gunshot residue because he used to go hunting but had trouble naming his hunting buddies. The police had also found freshly washed clothes at this home by the accused could not remember when he had done the washing.
His girlfriend also contradicted some of his statements including by saying that she had done the washing herself and that Azzopardi had showered at her place, when he had given a different version.
A shop assistant also told the court that the accused was alone at 7:15pm – the accused claimed he was always accompanied by his girlfriend.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech found Mr Azzopardi guilty of all charges and sentenced him to six years in prison. He was also ordered to pay €1,547 in court fees, warning him that if the fine was not paid it would be converted into prison time.
Inspectors Anthony Cassar and Jeffrey Cilia prosecuted.
This was not Mr Azzopardi's only case involving his deceased brother's inheritance. Three years ago he was jailed for life for placing a bomb which killed an innocent woman and injured another in Zejtun. The bomb was originally intended for Mary Rose Cassar (his sister-in-law) and her children. The prosecution had alleged that the motive behind the attempt was also the inheritance dispute. Angela Bondin had lost her life in the incident while Tessie Grima was seriously injured. Mr Azzopardi had been cleared of murder but found guilty of causing serious injuries that lead to death.
In 2012 Mr Azzopardi was jailed for 20 years for the attempted murder of Jonathan Spiteri, in a revenge plot related to his brother Jason's murder.
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Moas to use drones to patrol Mediterranean 'dead zone'
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Johnny Depp's Alice in Wonderland sequel flops
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Ukrainian woman who groped men to entice them into massage parlour jailed for 4 months
A Ukrainian woman has been jailed for four months after admitting to having touched men inappropriately in front of a Paceville massage parlour.
Snizhana Oborina, 37, who was born in Ukraine but lives in Birkirkara, was charged with soliciting prostitution and offending public morals.
Sources said the woman, who works at a massage parlour in Wilga Street, used 'unconventional' methods to try to entice men into visiting the premises. It is understood that the woman made unwanted advances at a number of men, and in some cases, grabbed their private parts.
Inspector John Spiteri, prosecuting, told the court that the police had received a number of complaints about the woman. The prosecution said it believed the most suitable punishment was a term of imprisonment.
Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia, who was legal aid to the woman, asked the court to consider her early guilty plea and the fact that she had cooperated fully with the police.
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Prison on the lookout for new correctional officers
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New recruitment of correctional officers at Corradino Correctional Facility
The Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security informs that a recruitment process for correctional Officers is currently open at the Department of Correctional Services.
The position of correctional officers includes mainly the duties of guarding prison buildings and of inmates as well as the conduct of searches of inmates, officers and visitors. Correctional Officers are also expected to perform monitoring and guidance of inmates related to the areas of rehabilitation and behaviour.
Minister for Home Affairs Carmelo Abela states that this recruitment process is part of the current reform being carried out at the Corradino Correctional Facility. Moreover this will continue to enhance the working condtions within disciplined forces particularly within the Correctional Services.
He recalls that in the last three years, around 90 new correctional officers have been recruited.
Correctional officers play a vital role in the much needed prison reforms and are society's partners in the rehabilitation of inmates. Thus, the strengthening of this disciplined force will be fundamental to improve the provided services at the Corradino Facility both in terms of security, correction and rehabilitation.
A revamped induction training programme more adequate to the current needs in the field of correction is being carried out at Ta' Kandja Academy.
Application forms will be received by the Director Correctional Services, Corradino Correctional Facility, Valletta Raod, Paola PLA1707 by not later than noon of Friday, 17th June, 2016.
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Say what? Hacked road signs get political
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Farsons share price reaches new all-time high
Following the declines of the past two days, the share index rebounded by 0.13 per cent to 4,470.295 points today as the gains in six equities outweighed the declines in another three shares. Trading activity in the local equity market remained subdued as just under €214,000 worth of shares changed hands today. Today's highlight was the 1.6 per cent jump in the share price of Simonds Farsons Cisk to a new record high of €6.50 across 7,454 shares. Recently, the food and beverages company revealed a record pre-tax profit figure of €10.1 million during the financial year ended January. Farsons is due to hold its annual general meeting on June 28. In the banking sector, HSBC (15,019 shares) and FIMBank (31,500 shares) performed positively, with both advancing by 0.6 per cent to €1.61 and 84c5US respectively. The HSBC board of directors will be meeting on August 5 to consider and approve the interim financial statements for the half-year endingJune 30 and consider the declaration of an interim dividend. Medserv recaptured the €1.79 level (+1.7 per cent) across shallow volumes totalling 3,000 shares. Last Thursday, the oil and gas logistics specialist announced that it was awarded a...
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Employers can forbid headscarf if general ban in place - EU court adviser
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Music festival in Mellieħa next week
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Ukrainian woman jailed for groping passers-by
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Ecstasy use jumps in Europe, no longer just a dance drug
The drug ecstasy is making a comeback in Europe, spreading as a mainstream party narcotic away from its niche use at dance clubs and reaching new young users, the Lisbon-based European drug agency said in a report. The report found that 2.1 million people aged 15-34 had used ecstasy, or MDMA, in the past year in a reversal of declining use since the mid-2000s, when it was common at rave parties. "Europe has experienced a recent resurgence in the use of MDMA, with much stronger tablets and powders now commonly available," said Jane Mounteney, who heads content coordination and trend analysis at the drug agency. Data collected by the agency found big jumps in the amount of MDMA detected in wastewater in key cities where the drug is common, rising police seizures of ecstasy tablets and indications of more deaths related to the drug. The agency estimated that 5.5 million MDMA tables were seized in 2014 in Holland compared to 2.4 million in 2012. There have been recent reports of police dismantling large ecstasy laboratories in Holland and Belgium, where European production of the drug is concentrated, the report said. "This is particularly worrying since MDMA is moving into more...
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No Tobacco Day: TMI speaks to man who quit smoking after 45 years to undergo heart surgery
Despite never having been much of a heavy smoker, a 63-year-old man said he has been told several times that it doesn't make much of a difference whether someone smokes 10 or 40 cigarettes a day – there will always be damage to one's health.
This was particularly real when the man, who has preferred to remain anonymous, had to undergo heart surgery which was caused, as least in part, from his regular smoking.
Today, 31 May, is the 29th annual World No Tobacco Day, as coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987. This day encourages smokers in all WHO member states to abstain from any and all forms of tobacco-based products for 24 hours. This is of course also a day used by the WHO to raise awareness about the negative effects of tobacco, which currently causes around 6 million annual deaths worldwide, with 600,000 as a result of second-hand smoking.
"I started at around 17 or 18," the man said, "but it was never really heavy smoking. I would only go just over a packet if there were special events." He smoked on and off ever since that age until around a month and a half ago when he had to undergo heart surgery.
His father died of throat cancer at 45 years of age after being a heavy smoker. The man's brother was also a heavy smoker before he died. This newsroom asked why he always went back to smoking despite clear evidence of the negative effects it had on his family's health.
"I quit around four or five times in my life for stretches of up to five years," the man said, "But I will never touch another cigarette again after my surgery."
"Every time I started again it was either because of a particularly trying time in my life or because of some social event where someone offers you a cigarette and that 'one' leads to the cravings coming back full swing."
Considering he knew full well what the consequences were, even at a young age, this newsroom was curious how he still started smoking as a teenager. "When you're young, you feel invincible," said the man who then went on to offer a number of observations on quitting and addiction.
He said that you never stop getting cravings every now and then even after weeks and months of quitting. It's all about will power in the end, the man said, adding that he doesn't need patches to stop.
The subject of e-cigarettes and the vapeing trend also came up and the man said that despite not burning paper, the nicotine concentration is still high enough to cause damage. The idea of stress-reduction, although a fine valid argument for most smokers, the ex-smoker said that "it's just another excuse."
Cigarettes "definitely don't do any good" and when it comes to actually quitting, it's all about volition, he said. "If you aren't ready to overcome the cravings, then you can't stop."
On this day, the WHO is increasing pressure on countries to use plain packaging for all tobacco products to reduce their attractiveness, particularly to young people. "Plain packaging of tobacco products restricts or prohibits the use of logos, colours, brand images and promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style," the WHO said in a statement.
"Plain packaging reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products. It kills the glamour, which is appropriate for a product that kills people," said WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. "It restricts tobacco advertising and promotion. It limits misleading packaging and labelling. And it increases the effectiveness of health warnings."
This is not the first time that the idea of plain packaging has been brought up and the WHO are using Australia as an example which all countries should follow after having introduced plain packaging, in conjunction with new and enlarged health warnings, in 2012. Since then, smoking in Australia has been in steady decline.
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Internet giants sign up to EU hate speech guidelines
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PN agrees on need for Air Malta strategic partner, but says shares should also be sold to the public
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Somali man who was ‘caught red handed punching car’ remanded in custody
A 21-year-old Somali has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to damaging a car in Marsa.
Abdiqani Mahad Mohamed was charged with wilfully damaging a Chevrolet Aveo, causing more than €250 in damage, disobeying the police, disturbing the peace, committing a crime while serving a suspended sentence and relapsing.
Inspector Borg, prosecuting, said the owner had caught the accused red handed punching the car. The case took place yesterday afternoon.
Legal Aid lawyer Benjamin Valenzia said the accused had indicated that he would be pleading guilty but, when asked by the court what his plea was, Mr Mohamed said he had only touched the car. As such, he entered a not guilty plea.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella remanded the man in custody.
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Motorist finds man kicking his car
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Chris Cardona and Justyne Caruana visit new Magic Steps Childcare Centre in Xewkija
Minister for the Economy and Investment Chris Cardona and the Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability Justyne Caruana visited the Childcare Centre which opened two weeks ago in Xewkija.
Magic Steps Childcare Centre was set up for parents who have children of up to three years old. The Minister said that this centre is a particular one because it is targeted for those parents who work at the Industrial Estate in Xewkija.
Malta Industrial Parks has offered the building to help the Gozitan families. Minister Cardona explained that the free childcare measure was one of the initiatives which helped the country to reach records in economic growth and the lowest rate of unemployment in years.
According to recent statistics, in Gozo there are some 547 people registering for work benefits, while in the previous administration this number reached 742.
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Monday, May 30, 2016
Air Malta-Alitalia MoU tabled - No agreement if Malta's interests are not safeguarded - minister
Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis this evening tabled the Air Malta-Alitalia Memorandum of Understanding in Parliament.
The government announced last month that it had signed a preliminary agreement with Alitalia that could see the Italian airline buy a 49% stake in Air Malta. Alitalia is itself 49% owned by UAE airline giant Etihad Airways.
The MoU was tabled as Alitalia President Luca di Montezemolo said today that the Italian airline has already started the due diligence process on Air Malta which, he said, could take up to two months.
This paper is informed, in fact, that several Alitalia and Etihad officials are currently in Malta going through Air Malta's books and studying its current business and operations model.
Last week controversy erupted after Mr Montezemolo said that if the Alitalia-Air Malta deal goes through, it would be a sub-zero-risk operation for the Italian airline. "It is an investment that would not cost a euro, and would open up interesting connections with Sicily. Let us work on it, let's carry out a management and economic due diligence," he was quoted as saying.
Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis subsequently told The Malta Independent that the deal would be off if it is not advantageous to the national carrier.
Speaking in Parliament this evening, Dr Zammit Lewis said the MoU was just the first step in the long road that lay ahead. He insisted that no agreement would be signed unless this was beneficial to the Maltese airline. "If the interests of the country and of its tourism industry are not protected then there is no agreement."
Airmalta would not become a feeder airline and would remain under Maltese government control, the minister said. The government will retain its 51% shareholding and Air Malta would retain its name.
"Whilst I understand the anxiety of the employees we should not get lost in speculation. We will make the necessary announcements when we have news in hand."
The future workforce had to make sense for a restructured airline. This would also depend on the number of routes and aircraft operated by Air Malta. "I will not make sweeping statements about the employees," he said, noting that talks were underway, led by President Emeritus George Abela.
The advantages of such a partnership included Air Malta becoming part of an extensive network instead of a standalone airline and benefiting from the economies of scale, especially when it came to procurement. Another advantage would be joint purchasing, which would help improve profitability and growth, and a vision to expand the current fleet.
Dr Zammit Lewis also said the results of decisions taken in the past two years were being felt. These including the catering contract, the lease of aircraft and IT services. Practices employed today, he said, contrasted highly with what had become standard practice under previous administrations. Air Malta was leasing out two aircraft it was itself leasing, but was still losing around €1 a year.
He again denied that Air Malta would become a feeder airline, which meant that its passengers would only be flown to one airport and would have to catch connecting flights to their destination of choice.
In order for any deal to be reached there were several mandatory points laid out by the government. This included that Air Malta had to carry more tourists to Malta and a plan to expand the current fleet. Another mandatory point was that Air Malta workers have to have opportunities to further their careers with Etihad partners. The Maltese airline has to become more competitive and offer better prices, including to its Maltese customers. Frequent Maltese Air Malta customers would also have to benefit from an Etihad Airways Partners frequent flyers programme.
This news story is still being updated.
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Own a tiger? You'll have to pay to relocate it
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People with ‘excessive’ tattoos and piercings not allowed to join the police force – minister
Individuals with excessive tattoos and/or piercings are not allowed to join the police force, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said this evening.
Replying to a parliamentary question by PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami, Mr Abela said calls for employment stipulated that candidates with excessive body painting or piercings will not be considered. This is determined during a medical test all candidates have to sit for.
The same medical test was recently introduced for individuals who ask to be reinstated into the force. As such, applicants for reinstatement bearing excessing body painting can also be barred from rejoining the force.
Not all tattoos are banned, the minister said. Individuals with tattoos that are not visible under the uniform can also be allowed.
Any serving officers found to have excessive tattooing can face disciplinary proceedings.
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'I might retire,' says Manuel Pellegrini
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Asthma inhalers get 50 per cent price cut
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GlobalCapital extends offer period on unsecured bonds
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Drowned baby picture captures Mediterranean's week of tragedy
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Chamber files injunction to block eco-contribution tax
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Man pays for child support but still ends up behind bars
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Tourism operators file for warrant of prohibitory injunction against government on new Eco-Tax
A number of tourism operators today filed for a warrant of prohibitory injunction against the government related to the new Eco-Contribution Tax which obliges operators to pay €0.50 per night per tourist over 18, with a maximum of €5.
The application was filed today by the Federation of English Language Teaching of Malta (FELTOM), the Federation Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (FATTA), the Professional Diving Schools Association (PDSA), the Malta Association of Hotel Executives (MAHE), Joseph Attard, Divesystems WS Limited, Toro Company Limited and the Malta Chamber of Commerce.
The defendants are the Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, Dr Jose Herrera, the Minister for Finance, Prof Edward Scicluna and the Minister for Tourism, Dr Edward Zammit Lewis.
Tourism operators earlier this month called for the tax to be initiated in November, and not on 1 June. Since a number of bookings for language students and tourists alike happen months in advance, with 44% being package deals, then the vast majority of all the tax costs will be incurred by the operators themselves.
The plaintiffs argued that a number of host families - of which there are 1,000 licensed by the MTA - already threatened to cancel bookings since they will have to incur costs themselves. This will have a negative effect on the operators – specifically in administration, the clients, the industry in general, and Malta's reputation.
Another point raised by the complainants is with a clause in the bill saying that the law applied to all accommodation including "accommodation provided against payment, or not, in whichever place". This sentence implies that even people who were to offer a place for their family or friends to stay will have to pay the tax.
By extension, the plaintiffs pointed out that since Eco-Contribution is a tax, then there are certain fiscal obligations which hold criminal consequences in terms of sanctions to the operators if the obligations are not adhered to. If this is the case, then this will leave a serious negative impact on the entire sector.
There was also a call for a proper study to be done by the government to properly evaluate the impact which this legislation will have on every single person who will be affected by it. The study must also be done with collaboration and strict consultation with all concerned bodies. The Plaintiffs also insisted that after all consultation is done, then the law must come into play two months after publication of the study so that all concerned will have time to adequately prepare for it.
The accepted two-month moratorium was not observed by the defendants whatsoever since the legal notice was published on 20 May and the tourism operators were only given 10 days, until 1 June, to prepare for the new law.
With consultation in mind, the government was accused of "completely excluding the exponents from this process in a way which all the operators, as represented by the exponent associations, and who represent a substantial number of operators in this sector, were not given the opportunity to make their voices heard and explain how they will be affected." Additionally, the affected parties were never given any platform for discussion to try and lessen the drastic impact of the legislation.
The plaintiffs also pointed out that the various attempts at being heard were all for naught, despite insisting until the very end to be given the opportunity to give their contribution.
The final point presented by the plaintiffs which summarises the entire reasoning behind the warrant for prohibitory injunction says that they are asking for it since it is evident by now that the defendants will be breaking the law by passing legislation without satisfactory consultation or the appropriate two-month moratorium.
The injunction was signed by lawyer Simon Galea Testaferrata.
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Car drifting champion gets off to winning start
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Minister Helena Dalli announces price reduction of eleven medicines
Government today announced that the price of eleven medicines will be reduced. Minister for Social Dialogue Helena Dalli said this in a press conference at the pharmaceutical complex of Aurobindo in Hal Far. The price reduction ranges from 8% to 67%.
Among the medicines which will have their price reduced is Ventolin, which is used to treat asthma. The price of this medicine will be reduced by half and will be sold at €3.15 instead of €6.34. Dermovate, which is an ointment used to treat the skin, will have its price reduced by 67%. This medicine will now be sold for €2.05 instead of €6.19.
Medicines used to treat prostate problems and heart diseases will also be reduced by €9 and €8 respectively.
The government is also publishing a list of newly introduced generic medicines which will now be made available in the local market. Some of these medicines are 85% than other alternatives.
Minister Helena Dalli said that this government recognizes the importance of having accessible medicines to patients and that is why the Medicines Intelligence and Access Unit were established.
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Annual fair to return to Montekristo Estate
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Organisers of Fiera l-Kbira deny ‘rumours’, say they have permit in hand
Organisers of the Fiera l-Kbira today announced that the third edition of il-Fiera l-Kbira will be held between 7 and 17 July at MonteKristo Estate, "thus ending rumours saying otherwise".
Just like in previous years, the directors of il-Fiera l-Kbira, together with MonteKristo estate management have been collaborating with local authorities to address the several aspects of the fair, such as permits, traffic management and health and safety regulations. This resulted in the issue of the appropriate trading licence - CF 69/2016. This collaboration is ongoing.
Both previous editions of the fair attracted an attendance of over 100,000 visitors.
"We would like to thank all entities involved so far in this third edition of the fair. This Fair will once more feature over 200 exhibitors and generate an estimate of 21 million euros in orders, wages and services. In fact, Fiera l-Kbira results in the engagement of almost 1,500 workers the majority of which are engaged directly by the exhibitors to provide or deliver a service during the 50 hours of the fair. Other services providers are engaged for design and set up purposes before, during and after the fair" said Luke Gatt from il-Fiera l-Kbira.
The choice of the venue is quite a natural one, since MonteKristo Estate is the only venue in Malta which offers all amenities needed for such a big, open air, family event.
This year's edition promises to offer even better deals for consumers on items supplied by the various exhibitors, who are bound to offer those attending a "Fiera l-Kbira" special offer during the fair days.
The success achieved in the past two years also resulted in a sell out of all available exhibitors space, the organisers said.
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Man from Senglea given suspended sentence after drunken rampage
32 year-old Nazzareno Abela from Senglea today was given a one-year prison sentence suspended for two years after being arrested for driving under the influence, insulting police officers, violently resisting arrest and then proceeding to damage the holding cell in a drunken rampage.
After he was taken into lock up in Floriana, he damaged a sink by ramming it with his head and a mattress amounting to a total cost of €465. The court ordered Mr Abela to pay damages as well as an €800 fine. His driving licence was also suspended for six months.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Nikolai Sant, told the court how the accused apologised to the officers and instantly offered to pay for the damages he had caused. The defence was led by lawyer Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici while Magistrate Doreen Clarke presided the case.
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Valletta 2018 to get a Chinese push
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Drunk driver went berserk in police lock-up
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Watchdog warns investors: If it sounds too good to be true...
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Two youths charged with possession of ecstasy after being caught on their way to party
Kevin Gauci, a 21 year-old mechanic from Mellieha and Gordon Micallef, a 19 year-old plasterer from Birkirkara tody were charged separately with aggravated possession of 28 and 75 ecstasy pills respectively. They were both separately apprehended by the police on their way to a party in Armier.
They were also charged with being in the vicinity of an area where young people gather, although Mr Gauci's lawyer argued that he was there purely because he was one of the people also attending the party.
Both pleaded not guilty and both defence councils asked for bail. While Mr Gauci was granted bail with a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €3,000, Mr Micallef was remanded in custody due to being a relapser.
Although Mr Micallef's defence, led by lawyer Dr Joe Brincat, used the same arguments as Mr Gauci's defence, which was led by lawyer Dr Lorna Mifsud Cachia, the former was not granted bail as he was found to be breaching bail conditions imposed on him after another court case last January. His previous charges were for possession of 90 ecstasy pills which were not for personal use.
In both cases, Magistrate Doreen Clarke presided while the prosecution was led by Inspector Jonathan Cassar.
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Boy, 7, missing in Japan forest after being left alone as punishment
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Two accused of trafficking ecstasy - arrested before Armier party
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Malta Stock Exchange hits a 15-week low
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Eritrean to be repatriated after using false passport to come to Malta from Sicily
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AFM inaugurates over €2m data centre and upgrading of microwave link network
This morning the Armed Forces of Malta inaugurated a new Data Centre and upgrade to its microwave link network. Valued over €2 million, this investment was 75% co-funded by the EU under the External Borders Fund, General Programme – Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007 – 2013.
During the event it was announced, that a new Microwave Link Network was strategically installed around Malta and Gozo to cover all the coastal areas and AFM locations with advance encrypted communication.
A state of the art Data Centre was also built in less than a year at the AFM Barracks in Luqa, to support this network, capable of hosting the current and future information systems required to ensure business continuity in AFM surveillance and border operations.
Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela stated that the dream of having an army equipped with the latest digital communications technology systems has become a reality. He explained that communications information system facilities constitute an important component in modern military operations, since these provide secure voice and data communication among various AFM assets.
He recalled that prior to this project, the AFM had an obsolete Microwave Link Network that was installed 15 years ago lacking proper hosting facilities to host information system equipment.
The Home Affairs Minister remarked the attention provided to cyber security threats and that this project provides both a platform for data protection and a means to prepare soldiers better in such an area. He added that investment in the Force's human resources technical abilities will persist and in effect the members that will be working on these systems are proficient in IT skills and have been provided with technical training, as part of this project.
Minister Abela applauded the AFM for the planning pertained in this project. Instead of just replacing the obsolete equipment, an internal study was conducted to identify the AFM operational requirements, reflecting on the importance given by AFM to research, prior to heading with projects.
Parliamentary Secretary stated that the Armed Forces of Malta will benefit almost €53m, accounting for 70% of the total allocation of EU funds allocated for border protection, immigration and security under the 2007-13 programme.
The objective of 'The External Borders Fund' is to continue to provide regular support in respect of cross-border operations which are also known as Maritime Squadron.
Borg stressed that through this investment, the operations of the AFM are not only appreciated and highly respected but also the country's security will be met.
Dr Borg also recalled that no less than 13 large-scale projects were successfully implemented during the last years of this programme. The project inaugurated today has helped to build a new data centre for data and updating the microwave network which are both critical for effective function of the Infrastructure, coastal and border control of Malta. He closed his speech by thanking FPD along with the management of the Armed Forces who jointly managed to implement this project with tight deadlines.
In his speech, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, said that this project is part of the AFM's digital modernisation process which reflects current technological trends. The infrastructure, with all its redundancy measures is vital for the day-to-day functioning of the AFM, be it on operational levels and the quest to increase cyber security in its daily functions. Brigadier Curmi concluded by thanking all those who worked with dedication to see this project come to life.
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Two Eritrean men charged with entering Malta with false passports from Catania
Two Eritrean men, Tesfay Gebrebirhan Anda, 29, and Mhreteab Zeru, 22, today were charged with using false passports to come to Malta from Catania, Sicily. Mr Anda pleaded guilty while Mr Zeru pleaded not guilty.
Mr Anda was given a one-year prison sentence suspended for three years. Unless he applies for asylum, procedures to deport him will start immediately. Mr Zeru was remanded in custody.
It was clear throughout the case that both the accused could barely understand the implications of what was taking place in court, despite having an interpreter. Mr Zeru in fact pleaded not guilty under protest saying, "I don't know what is false and what isn't, so how can I be guilty?"
The case was presided by Magistrate Doreen Clarke. The defence was led by Dr Joseph Ellis, who did not ask for bail for Mr Zeru. The prosecution was led by Inspector Franklin Sammut.
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AFM commissions new data centre, upgrades communications
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When sugar was more expensive than gold
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Jesuit's church, old university facade getting much-needed restoration
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Alternattiva Demokratika speaks about National Disability Strategy
Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party stated that the proposals made in the National Disability Strategy are positive and will provide both measures and structures to improve the quality of life of persons with disability giving them a better social equality platform.
Amongst the proposals in the strategy is the proposal for a new and inclusive voting mechanism (Objective 1 SI 7) that AD has been lobbying for in the past elections.
Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson said; "although the strategy is aimed at "quality of life", a revision of the Social Security Act - related to the financial benefits received by persons with disability known as the Disability Pension, still needs to be seriously addressed."
Furthermore, Alternattiva Demokratika's spokesperson for Disability Issues, Dr. Claire Azzopardi Lane insisted that: "Objective 10 - Legislation and Access to Justice, should incorporate the reversal of interdiction and incapacitation of persons with disability and instead be replaced by a supported decision making strategy through the Guardianship Act which also requires better mechanisms to make it effective. Alternattiva Demokratika believes that the success of this strategy rests on the financial budget allocated to it and the political will for it to be implemented."
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Sunday, May 29, 2016
Man dies in Cospicua crash
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Watch: Dramatic moment gorilla drags 10-year-old who fell in moat; animal later killed
A special zoo response team shot and killed a 17-year-old gorilla Saturday that grabbed and dragged a 4-year-old boy who fell into the gorilla exhibit moat, the Cincinnati Zoo's director said.
Authorities said the boy, who fell 10 to 12 feet, is expected to recover after being picked up out of the moat and dragged by the gorilla for about 10 minutes. He was taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Zoo officials said he was alert when he was transported there.
Director Thane Maynard said the zoo's dangerous animal response team that practices for such incidents decided the boy was in "a life-threatening situation" and that they needed to put down the 400-pound-plus male gorilla named Harambe.
"They made a tough choice and they made the right choice because they saved that little boy's life," Maynard said. "It could have been very bad."
Maynard said he hadn't talked with the boy's parents yet. Authorities initially said the child was 3 years old, but the zoo said in a press release Saturday night that he was 4 years old.
He said the gorilla didn't appear to be attacking the child, but he said it was "an extremely strong" animal in an agitated situation. He said tranquilizing the gorilla wouldn't have knocked it out immediately, leaving the boy in danger.
Maynard said it was the first time that the team had killed a zoo animal in such an emergency situation, and he called it "a very sad day" at the zoo. The lowland gorilla is an endangered species.
The incident was reported at around 4 p.m. The area around the gorilla exhibit was closed off Saturday afternoon as zoo visitors reported hearing screaming.
Harambe came to Cincinnati in 2015 from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas.
Hospital officials said they couldn't release any information on the child. Authorities hadn't released the child's name.
The zoo said Saturday night the Gorilla World area would remain closed until further notice after earlier saying it would be open on Sunday. Maynard said the zoo believed the exhibit remains safe. They are still investigating, but zoo officials believe the boy crawled through a railing barrier, then fell into the moat.
The zoo prides itself for its work in protecting endangered species, and has been part of successful captive breeding efforts in recent years in the effort to save the endangered Sumatran rhino.
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Lewis Hamilton wins thrilling Monaco GP ahead of Ricciardo
Lewis Hamilton won an incident-packed Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday to get his Formula One championship bid back on track after a dismal run of eight races without a win.
Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo started from pole position and finished second — after a huge blunder from his team which failed to have his tires ready — with Mexican driver Sergio Perez third for Force India.
Hamilton, the defending F1 champion, started from third but soon overtook his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, and then held off Ricciardo with a gritty blocking move midway through.
"It's been a long time coming to get this win — not only in the season but here at the Monaco Grand Prix," said Hamilton, whose only other Monaco win was in 2008 for McLaren. "As soon as it rained I knew there was an opportunity, and fortunately I was quick enough in the wet."
With Rosberg — the championship leader — finishing seventh, Hamilton moved up to second overall in the standings, closing the gap on Rosberg to 24 points, while Ricciardo is in third spot.
Because of poor visibility and a drenched circuit, the first few laps were a procession behind a safety car.
But once the racing began properly, it was a thriller featuring multiple crashes and the comical sight of Red Bull's pit crew not being ready for Ricciardo's tire change.
The Australian driver was unforgiving, saying "everyone was running around like headless chucks (chickens)." He added: "It's massively disappointing."
By contrast, Hamilton was delighted, jumping out of his car and throwing himself into the arms of his team engineers — and even getting congratulated by U.S. pop star Justin Bieber.
Hamilton, who had not won since clinching last season's United States Grand Prix, took his helmet off and then ran back to get more hugs from his pit crew.
Grabbing the race trophy from Monaco's Prince Albert, Hamilton then tossed it up in the air and just about caught it.
Ricciardo stood watching, glum-faced, but then went up to shake Hamilton's hand.
It was even worse for Rosberg, who seemed to receive team orders to let Hamilton go past him early on.
Winner of seven of the past eight races, including the first four this season, Rosberg's awful day was compounded when he was overtaken at the line by Nico Hulkenberg.
It was Hamilton's 44th career win — the same number as his car — and made up for last year when he finished third in Monaco after being caught behind a safety car following a late team order to pit.
This time, there were no such glitches for Hamilton.
After the track dried out, he came in for quicker ultra-soft tires on lap 32, with Ricciardo coming in a lap later to switch to the same tires.
But in an astonishing oversight, Red Bull's crew was not ready and this cost him valuable time as he came out behind Hamilton.
"I guess from the outside we put on a show but it shouldn't have been exciting. Two races in a row I've been screwed," said a dejected Ricciardo, whose team made an error when he finished fourth in Spain two weeks ago. "They should have been ready. It hurts."
Shortly after, a race engineer tried to reassure Ricciardo, saying "get your head together, you're quicker than him, let's do it," but the error was a terrible one.
Five laps later, however, Ricciardo went close to overtaking Hamilton.
But Hamilton held his line at the Mirabeau turn, prompting an angry reaction from Ricciardo, who waved his right hand furiously.
"I forced him into the fence and by doing so he made a mistake and cut across the chicane," Ricciardo said. "Obviously it was a chance to get the lead, so sure I questioned it."
Perez was delighted with his seventh career podium.
"To have it here in Monaco is very special," Perez said. "In these conditions it's one of my best races."
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel was fourth, ahead of McLaren's Fernando Alonso and Hulkenberg, who capped a fine day for Force India.
Meanwhile, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen were among seven drivers who failed to finish a chaotic race.
Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat — the Russian driver who has twice been blamed for racing incidents with Vettel this season — ploughed into the turn at La Rascasse, taking Kevin Magnussen's Renaullt into the barriers with him. British driver Jolyon Palmer, Magnussen's teammate, had crashed early when the track was at its wettest.
But the most farcical incident involved Sauber teammates Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson.
Nasr received team orders to let Ericsson through but apparently ignored them, so a determined Ericsson went for a gap that simply did not exist and they both collided at the Rascasse turn.
Ericsson quipped that his teammate's radio "musn't be working."
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Between 700-900 migrants may have died at sea this week - NGOs
At least 700 migrants may have died at sea this past week in the busiest week of migrant crossings from Libya towards Italy this year, Medecins San Frontieres and the UN Refugee agency said today. About 14,000 have been rescued since Monday amid calm seas, and there have been at least three confirmed instances of boats sinking. But the number of dead can only be estimated based on survivor testimony, which is still being collected. "We will never know exact numbers," Medecins San Frontieres said in a Tweet after estimating that 900 had died during the week. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said more than 700 had drowned. Migrants interviewed yesterday in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo told of a large fishing boat that overturned and sank on Thursday with many women and children on board. Initial estimates were that 400 people died, but the UN Refugee agency said there may have been about 670 passengers on board. According to testimony collected by EU border agency Frontex, when the motorless fishing boat capsized, 25 swam to the boat that had been towing it, while 79-89 others were saved by rescuers and 15 bodies were recovered. This meant more than 550...
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Between 700-900 migrants may have died at sea this week - NGOs
At least 700 migrants may have died at sea this past week in the busiest week of migrant crossings from Libya towards Italy this year, Medecins San Frontieres and the UN Refugee agency said today. About 14,000 have been rescued since Monday amid calm seas, and there have been at least three confirmed instances of boats sinking. But the number of dead can only be estimated based on survivor testimony, which is still being collected. "We will never know exact numbers," Medecins San Frontieres said in a Tweet after estimating that 900 had died during the week. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said more than 700 had drowned. Migrants interviewed yesterday in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo told of a large fishing boat that overturned and sank on Thursday with many women and children on board. Initial estimates were that 400 people died, but the UN Refugee agency said there may have been about 670 passengers on board. According to testimony collected by EU border agency Frontex, when the motorless fishing boat capsized, 25 swam to the boat that had been towing it, while 79-89 others were saved by rescuers and 15 bodies were recovered. This meant more than 550...
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Ronaldo booed as Real Madrid players return with trophy
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