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Friday, September 30, 2016
EU fast-tracks Paris climate deal to brink of entering into force
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Man who used nurse to smuggle drugs to jailed brother gets 11 months
The man was charged with heroin trafficking after being named by a prison nurse who was discovered to be carrying heroin, cannabis and cannabis leaves
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Muscat will consider alternatives if Alitalia talks are not favourable for Air Malta
Prime Minister on Air Malta talks: "There are no ties… if a better offer comes through or if negotiations are not to our advantage, we will go for another alternative."
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Moschino strikes a jubilant note at Milan Fashion Week
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Pennsylvania dealer hid 110 heroin bags in buttocks
Police say a Pennsylvania drug dealing suspect was found hiding 110 small bags of heroin in his buttocks.
Authorities say 32-year-old Carbondale resident Corey Davis was arrested Thursday in Scranton, where police conducted an undercover drug buy.
Police say they found the other drugs when they searched Davis after his arrest.
Davis remained Friday in the Lackawanna County jail, where he was unable to post bond.
Online court records show he faces a preliminary hearing Oct. 6. He doesn't have an attorney listed to comment on his behalf.
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Man imprisoned after giving drugs to correctional facility nurse to pass on to his brother
A 44-year-old man from Pieta today was condemned to 11 months in jail and fined €900 after being found guilty of passing drugs to a nurse who worked at the Corradino Correctional Facility. The drugs were destined for his already jailed brother.
On 2 December, 2009, the drugs squad searched a person named Jacqueline Dipasquale, who worked as a nurse at the Corradino Correctional Facility at the time. The police found heroin, cannabis resin and cannabis, as well as controlled medicine on her person. During their investigation, Ms Dipasquale cooperated, and gave the names of those who provided her with the drugs as well as the inmate they were destined for.
As a result of this information, Mr Zammit was arrested on 3 December, 2009.
Ms Dipasquale opted not to testify in the proceedings, due to proceedings currently pending against her. Regardless, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras took note of her written statement, as well as that of the accused.
While the defence argued that that Zammit was not given the right to consult a lawyer when giving his first statement, the Magistrate noted that he confirmed his statement when he appeared before the Magistrate.
In the first statement, the accused said that he would buy heroin for his brother and pass it to a nurse, so as to pass it on to his brother. He also said he would pay €50 to the nurse. He said he had done this once a week in the prior months. He also said that the first time his brother called him to make such a request, he was given a number of a third party from whom he could purchase the drugs, and that a nurse would phone him to agree where to meet for the drugs to be passed on. He also claimed that it was the nurse who called him on most occasions to pick up the drugs. His brother would send him the money to pay for the drugs through third parties who he did not know, the accused said. He also claimed that he never took anything in return for what he did.
In his second statement, he said he would pay €60 per gramme for the drugs.
While finding him guilty, the magistrate took note of his cooperation. The magistrate also noted that he has a stable life, a regular job, and that his wife, children as well as his parents are dependent on him.
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Moschino strikes a jubilant note at Milan Fashion Week
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ITS students shouldn't worry about moving to Smart City, Tourism Minister says
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Work begins to widen Żurrieq's Vjal ix-Xarolla
Transport Malta has started works to widen Żurrieq's much-maligned Vjal ix-Xarolla, with the government having promised action during last year's Budget speech. The project, which is expected to cost €1.8 million in total, will add a new carriageway to the road all the way to Triq il-Kuccard in Safi. Workers will also replace existing services, install new ones and form a service road with parking for residents, Transport Malta said. The authority said it had agreed with the local council to start works after summer, so as to ensure that local festivities were not obstructed.
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Copyright reform must reflect increased digital lifestyle - Comodini Cachia
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€1.8 million road investment in Żurrieq
Transport Malta started works to widen Vjal ix-Xarolla in Żurrieq this morning, the company said in a statement. The contractor is clearing the area to be widened and will build new retaining walls.
Following these works, Transport Malta will re-construct the road completely to have an additional carriageway along Vjal ix-Xarolla extending all the way to Triq il-Kuċċard in Safi.
The Authority will replace the existing services, install new ones and will form a service road with parking for residents.
Transport Malta is investing €1.8 million on this project, which was announced during the last Budget Speech. People of the area have long been asking for this project which is expected to regenerate the neighbourhood.
Works were scheduled to start after summer, in agreement with the local council, so as not to obstruct the local festivities.
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Police band celebrates 95 years with MCC concert
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Spectre of police brutality returns as British man is cleared of assaulting police
A court's decision to clear a 35 year-old British man of assaulting police officers in St Julian's police station has raised serious questions about the officers' handling of the situation and use of excessive force.
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Man cleared of allegations relating to assaulting police, alleges he was the one beaten
A British man who was charged with violently resisting arrest, disobeying orders and threatening police officers was found not guilty of all charges, and claims he was beaten and forcibly dragged, grabbed at the throat and punched by the policemen.
Matthew Stephen Douglas-Fryer, the accused who was cleared by the courts, is a 35-year-old man born in the UK and residing in St Julian's.
He was also cleared of charges of disturbing the peace and being drunk in a public place.
In her judgement, Magistrate Audrey Demicoli said the Court has no reason to doubt the accused's version of events, as corroborated by the accused's girlfriend and brother, and believes that the issue at the incident escalated and was mishandled by the police due to their lack of knowledge of the English language.
On January 1, 2015, the Court heard that the accused was celebrating the new year at Cork's Pub in Paceville, accompanied by his girlfriend and his 16-year-old brother. The three left the party in the early hours of the morning in his girlfriend's car, with the accused sitting in the front passenger seat. While on their way home, but still in St Julian's, three men encircled the car. One man slammed the car top, while another smashed the passenger-side window with a bottle. His girlfriend raised her hand instinctively and was hit in the arm. The accused exited the vehicle and sought the intervention of the police who were in the area. He was hit in the face by one of the three assailants in front of the police officers. After police calmed the situation down, the accused and his girlfriend went to the police station to file a report.
Upon entering, they briefly explained what had happened and that they wanted to file a report. The accused was asked to wait outside by the officer at the front desk as the station was very busy. The Court heard, from the accused's version of events, that Mr Douglas-Fryer wanted to remain with his girlfriend as she was upset. After his insistence, the police sergeant pushed the accused out and slammed the door, crushing the accused's finger in the process. The accused re-entered the station and an incident ensued between him and three police officers, whereby the officers claimed he attacked them, while the accused claimed the officers leapt on him and that he was forcible dragged to the area at the bottom of the stairs near the lockers, grabbed at the throat and punched three times by one of the police. The accused was then handcuffed and arrested.
The police involved (who include Police Sergeant Lawrence Gabriel, Police Constable Braydon Borg and Police Constable Christopher Attard) gave evidence, and said that the accused was impatient and agitated when he entered the station to file the report, and that he did not want to wait. They maintained that he threatened them, saying he was going to hit them with a bottle and insulted them, later saying he would kill them. Thus he was arrested. They also argued that the accused resisted arrest, became violent and began banging his head on the wall as well as on an iron bench beneath the stairs. They also maintained that the injuries suffered by the accused, on his lip and finger, were sustained in the argument he had with third parties.
The accused, however, said that when he was asked to leave the station and refused, one of the officers came within an inch of his face and said: "I make the f*****g rules" spitting in his face while talking, pushing him out of the room. The accused said that he replied: "Sir, if this was your wife who had been attacked with a bottle, wouldn't you want to stay with her to make a report?"
The Court noted that the accused's version of events remained consistent, both when he released the statement, and when giving evidence during a sitting on October 2, 2015. It was also corroborated by his girlfriend and brother when they gave evidence.
The Court said, prior to analysing the charges brought against the accused, that it wanted "to point out that after having heard the evidence of all the parties concerned and after having read all the acts of these proceedings, it deems that there is no reason not to believe the accused's version of events. The Court is of the opinion that the whole incident was mishandled by the police officers involved because of an improper or perhaps lack of profound knowledge of the English language. Thus when the accused insisted that he wanted to remain with his girlfriend in the station while filing her report, asking the officer whether he would not want to stay with his wife if she had just been hit with a bottle, the police officer in question misunderstood and interpreted this question as being a threat and proceeded to push the accused out of the station while slamming the door, crushing the accused's finger in the process".
The Court noted the difficulty for the police officers in question when giving evidence in the English language during the proceedings, which were held in English, "and it is therefore plausible to conclude that the said Police Officer misunderstood or misinterpreted the accused's question, who was probably agitated because of what had just happened to the accused and his girlfriend".
The Court also noted that the medical expert's report further corroborated the accused's version of events where it is certified that he sustained injuries in his left small finger, which injuries were caused by a crushing injury. "This injury could not have been sustained during the incident with third parties, because in this case the accused said that he was punched in the face by one of the meant who caused damage to his girlfriend's car".
The Court noted inconsistency between statements given by a police sergeant and a police constable.
On the first charge, relating to the accused violently resisting arrest and assault, the Court noted that although the officers involved stated they were threatened by the accused, none of them actually indicated that any physical force had been used against them, or explained how they sustained their slight injuries. "The officers in fact say that the accused tried to hurt himself by banging his head against the wall and other surfaces". She mentioned that one officer claimed that the accused kicked and punched them, yet none of the others mentioned this. "Moreover, another of the officers said that the minor injury he sustained was when he put his hand between the accused's leg and the bench, when the accused tried to hit his head against the wall".
The Court held that injuries sustained by the officers were not a result of intentional or willful violence by the accused. The court mentioned that the accused suffered injuries to the head, face neck and finger.
On the second charge, where it was claimed that the accused threatened or caused bodily harm to an officer while in the act of discharging their duty, the Court noted discrepancies in the testimonies of the said Police officers, and thus the prosecution couldn't prove this charge beyond any reasonable doubt.
The Court acquitted the accused of all charges.
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Jobless to be interviewed every 2 weeks as Jobs Plus seeks to encourage 'human element'
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Woman cleared of glassing father of son's girlfriend in family showdown
50 year-old woman from Cospicua cleared of smashing a glass in the face of her son's girlfriend's father
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Duncan Buttigieg to spend 18 years behind bars after another fraud conviction
Just ten days after he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for one of his more outlandish scams, conman Duncan Buttigieg -currently serving an estimated total of 12 years for other fraud cases- has had another 6 years added on to his sentence after yet another conviction for fraud.
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Joseph Muscat should not have persisted with Brincat’s nomination before Council – Simon Busutti
Nationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil said that the Prime Minister should not have insisted with Leo Brincat's nomination to sit at the European Court of Auditors. In comments to The Malta Independent, the Opposition Leader said that although the final word always rested with the European Council, Joseph Muscat should have avoided any friction with the European Parliament.
He said that any possible conflict with the European Parliament should be avoided, especially as Malta will soon be hosting the EU Presidency.
"It is very immature to start off the Presidency with Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi weighing around his neck," he added.
The PN Leader said that Joseph Muscat created useless confrontation with the European Institutions.
Dr Busuttil was speaking to journalist following a visit to the MCAST campus in Paola.
He was also asked about the latest statement by the Prime Minister, when during a similar visit, had said that he sees no conflict of interest in having Keith Schembri's company bid for a $100 million investment.
"In a way, this declaration does not surprise me, especially after the Prime Minister's reaction after the whole Panama debacle," he said.
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Rights of public, investors should be safeguarded at all times - Malta Chamber
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry appealed to the government today to ensure that the rights of the general public as well as those of present and prospective investors are safeguarded at all times.
In statement, the chamber said it has been following the development of events at Manoel Island and, while refraining from entering into the legal merits of the case, it considers as unacceptable any action of forced entry or the taking of the law into one's own hands. A democracy such as ours provides for legal remedy should rights be considered to have been violated, the chamber said.
The foreshore, as defined at law, is unquestionably public domain yet by no means does this entitle one to violate private property rights so as to access such foreshore. If this were the case then a number of establishments would be faced with the same situation as that arising at Manoel Island. It is important for the rights granted by Government to the private sector to be protected.
MIDI plc is a public interest company, which is listed on the Malta Stock Exchange and with no less than 6000 persons as bond or share holders be these large or small investors.
The chamber therefore strongly appealed to the government to ensure that the rights of the general public as well as those of present and prospective investors are safeguarded at all times.
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Duterte claims he wants to kill millions, ‘like Hitler’
The controversial president of the Philippines, who was elected to office on a ticket based on hard line against crime, insists he would be 'happy to slaughter three million drug addicts', saying that if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have him
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MSE Share Index climbs to a near 5-week high
The MSE Share Index erased yesterday's marginal decline as it rebounded by 0.24 per cent to a near five-week high of 4,466.623 points. Trading activity was spread across ten equities with four of them registering gains, five stayed unchanged and only Malta Properties closed lower. The performance of the Index during the past five trading sessions was the best in the last five weeks as it registered a weekly upturn of 0.93 per cent. Furthermore, following the monthly declines in July (-2.0 per cent) and August (-0.68 per cent), the Index gained 0.6 per cent in September. Year-to-date, the Index is up by 0.8 per cent. The most actively traded equity today was Bank of Valletta plc as 74,809 shares (valued at nearly €0.17 million – representing 62.5 per cent of the total value of equities traded) left the share price unchanged at its near five-month high of €2.26. On Monday, BOV announced that its forthcoming Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 16 December 2016. Today marks the financial year-end for BOV. The Bank usually publishes its financial statements by the end of October. Also among the large companies, International Hotel Investments plc maintained the €0.635 level...
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Woman cleared of assaulting father of her son’s girlfriend with a glass
50-year-old Jacqueline Bugeja from Cospicua has been cleared of the charges of smashing the face of her son's girlfriend's father with a glass due to doubts as to whether the man's injuries were in fact inflicted by her.
Inspector Kylie Borg said that Nazzareno Gauci's (the alleged victim) daughter Wendy had been in a relationship with Francis Bugeja, the accused's son. The Court heard how the alleged victim, his wife, son and his son's girlfriend, went over to Wendy's apartment. Natasha Bugeja (the accused's daughter) was also present. For unknown reasons, the Gauci and Bugeja families clashed outside. The Court was told that Natasha called her brother, Francis, who together with their brother and mother (the accused) arrived in a stolen vehicle. A scuffle followed and Nazzareno Gauci suffered a laceration under one eye, resulting in permanent scarring.
The victim said that he tried to intervene in the fight when he saw one of the Bugeja brothers hit his son with a hammer in the back of his head. He himself was then hit in the face with a glass. He said this blow was given by a woman who exited the car of his daughter's boyfriend.
The accused denied the charges, claiming that the Gaucis had rammed her car from behind. The accused had later withdrawn his criminal complaint
The Court could not establish who caused Nazzareno Gauci's injuries, given that at the time of the incident, he claimed that Francis had caused his injuries, yet later stating that it was the woman who exited the car, and, yet again, later withdrew his criminal complaint.
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Leo Brincat resigns from Parliament, to start new job on Monday
Leo Brincat has resigned from Parliament to take up his new job as a member of the European Court of Auditors.
The resignation was presented on his behalf today by PL MP Anthony Agius Decelis to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Anglu Farrugia.
Mr Brincat had already been removed from the post of Environment Minister earlier this year to prepare for his new appointment.
In a brief address, Dr Farrugia said that Mr Brincat will be starting his new job on Monday, the same day that Parliament resumes its work after the summer recess.
Dr Farrugia said Mr Brincat wanted to thank all the Members of Parliament who worked with him during the last 32 years. Mr Brincat was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1982.
The resignation triggers a procedure by which Mr Brincat will be substituted in Parliament via a by-election. Clifton Grima is favourite to replace him.
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Serial fraudster Duncan Buttigieg in court again, sentenced to a further six-year imprisonment
Serial fraudster Duncan Buttigieg was in court again today on charges relating to fraud and misappropriation resulting in an effective six-year prison sentence being added on to his already lengthy list of convictions.
The case surrounds a series of reports regarding fraud and misappropriation, as well as theft and falsified cheques. He paid for a high value Rolex watch with a cheque which bounced, proceeding to sell it online; took a substantial amount of funds from a third party as a deposit for a vehicle that was meant to be imported from Japan, yet the vehicle was never delivered; forged a signature of a stolen cheque; stole a VAT receipt book; was found to be in possession of items in connection with fraud; made use of false documents; and relapsing.
Regarding the watch, police investigations which commenced in October revealed that Buttigieg used his former girlfriend's chequebook, which he had stolen, to pay €5,000 for the Rolex. The cheque bounced. Just two hours later, Buttigieg sold the watch to Andrea Scicluna Calleja, telling him it was an unwanted gift and that he required the money for his six-year-old son who was being treated for stomach cancer. The two negotiated a €2,000 price, and Scicluna Calleja paid in cash. Shortly after, Scicluna Calleja found a receipt, and seeing it had been purchased only two hours earlier, he contacted Rolex's agent managing director.
When the police raided Buttigieg's residence, they found falsified qualification certificates saying he was a journalist, when this was not true. The accused admitted to all the charges early on in the case, and from proof presented to the court, the Court found that there was absolutely no doubt of his guilt.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli found him guilty of all charges. The court said that the accused had ample opportunities to reform himself, "however it seems that the accused does not know how to make use of these opportunities, and in fact continued his criminal behaviour. While considering his guilty plea, the court finds no alternative but to impose an effective prison sentence, and not the minimum as requested by the Defence, but rather closer to the maximum penalty".
He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.
This was not the first time Buttigieg was in court. He was found guilty on accusations of fraud and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment after admitting to defrauding 100 persons by taking deposits on a car he had to import amounting to €120,000, with the vehicles never arriving. He was also sentenced to two-years imprisonment for taking deposits from 12-persons on farmhouse rent, when the farmhouse did not belong to him. He was also given three-months probation for pretending to be a doctor, handing out prescriptions to two patients.
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Two Van Gogh paintings recovered by Italian anti-Mafia police
Anti-Mafia police in Naples have recovered two Van Gogh paintings stolen from Amsterdam in 2002, the Van Gogh Museum and organized crime investigators said Friday.
The museum in a statement on its website Friday said the paintings, found without their frames, are in "relatively good condition." It said the two paintings are the 1882 work "Seascape at Scheveningen" and a later work, "Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen."
Police in Naples said the paintings, of "priceless value," were discovered during a raid as part of a crackdown against a Naples-based Camorra crime clan suspected of cocaine trafficking. Naples prosecutors said more details will be given later at a news conference in the southern Italian city.
The paintings were sequestered along with other property, worth "tens of millions of euros," said the police. The Financial Guard, a branch of the Italian police, often sequesters financial assets of suspected criminals.
"After all these years, you no longer dare count on a possible return," the museum quoted its director Alex Rueger as saying, and expressed gratitude to Italian investigators and police.
The museum said the paintings, inspected by a curator, do show "some damage" and it is unclear when they will return to Amsterdam. The museum director was planning to attend the news conference.
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European Union closes infringements action against Malta
The European Union has closed another three infringement proceedings against Malta, the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Louis Grech confirmed today. The College of Commissioners approved this formal decision after Malta adopted legislation complying with the relevantEU directives.
Mr Grech welcomed the College of Commissioners' decision and said that such positive results show Malta's dedication and efforts to close pending infringements efficiently and effectively.
Two of the infringements were only opened this year. One was opened in March 2016, on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks. The Maltese authorities transposed this directive into national legislation by amending the Utilities and Services Act, and the In-Building Physical Infrastructure Regulations.
The second infringement was opened in May 2016, concerning the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States to the making available on the market, and supervision of, explosives for civil uses. This Directive was fully transposed into Maltese legislation by regulation.
The last infringement was opened in November 2014, due to Malta's failure to implement the agreement concluded between the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) on the Maritime Labour Convention. The Maltese Authorities have now transposed this directive into national legislation by means of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules.
Another infringement proceeding that the Ministry is currently working upon relates to the recognition of professional qualifications and on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System, with a view to transpose this directive by the end of this year.
A spokesperson for the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto said that the Ministry is working closely with all the ministries concerned in order to ensure that European legislation is transposed in a timely manner, and to close any infringement proceedings opened against Malta as early as possible.
Malta already has a very remarkable record in this field. EU statistics show that Malta has a very high resolution rate of EU Pilot, a swift response time, few new infringements and open ones, and the lowest number of late transpositions.
Commenting on the Commissioners' decision Deputy Prime Minister Grech said that Malta's fast and effective response to the few infringements that we have is another building block in bringing the European Project closer to the Maltese people.
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EU closes three infringement proceedings against Malta
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Final decision on Air Malta-Alitalia deal in the near future – Tourism Minister
A final decision on the Air Malta-Alitalia deal will be taken in the near future, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said yesterday, as an extension requested by the government has reached its end.
Back in August this newspaper had reported that the government had asked Alitalia to extend the negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year till the end of September.
Asked whether an agreement had been reached seeing that September is all but over, Dr Zammit Lewis was cautious but said a final decision would be taken soon.
"My position on Air Malta and Alitalia remains the same - we will either come to an agreement that is advantageous to Air Malta and the tourism industry, in which case the government will be satisfied, or we will not, in which case the deal will be off."
Pressed for a timeline, Dr Zammit Lewis said he agreed that decisions needed to be taken. "In fairness work is carried out every single day, even if we do not announce every detail in the press. Surely, we will be taking a final decision in the near future. And it will be communicated to the public, just like the rest of this process has been. I am committed to keep the whole process transparent, whatever the outcome. "
The tourism minister added that a lot of progress had been made with regard to the workers. "We have guaranteed their jobs. If reforms are carried out they will know what will be happening and we will be working with them. No one had addressed this issue head-on, like we're doing."
Dr Zammit Lewis was also asked to react to recent press reports, including one that said that Alitalia has no money to invest in the Maltese national airline. "There were also reports about the Alitalia strike. Every big airline has experienced strikes. Yes, Alitalia has its challenges. It is in the red but it is also investing. Alitalia is taking care of its own situation and we are following closely but also seeing what's in the deal for us. If things are agreeable we will reach a deal. If not we will say no and the decision will be communicated (to the public)."
The ailing Air Malta announced that it had reached a preliminary agreement with Alitalia back in April but the news was soon marred by comments passed by the Italian airline's president, Luca di Montezemolo, who said Air Malta was a 'sub-zero risk' operation which would not cost Alitalia one euro.
Since then it has also been revealed that Alitalia is losing around half a million euro a day and its operations were hampered by a number of workers' strikes.
But it seems that the future is not all black for the Italian airline as, according to some reports, the company is managing a turnaround under the direction of Etihad. After the UAE-based giant acquired a 49% stake in Alitalia in 2015 the Italian airline has introduced new routes and enhanced the passenger experience, both in the air and on the ground.
Air Malta has been in restructuring since 2012. While it has managed to reduce its operational losses it has not reached its March 2016 deadline to reach break-even point. The government has already agreed in principle to absorb the airline's debts – reportedly around €60 million – before an agreement is signed with Alitalia.
The airline's workforce will also be reduced but the government has promised that no workers will be made redundant. In fact they will either be employed elsewhere in the public sector or be offered voluntary redundancy schemes.
It was recently reported that Air Malta could operate some of Alitalia's southern routes as well as new routes to North Africa and the Middle East. In doing so it would be strengthening Etihad's Mediterranean network.
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
Newborn found alive in trash bin inside gas station restroom
Authorities say a newborn baby has been found alive in a trash bin inside a gas station restroom in Pennsylvania.
Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck says the baby was found Saturday afternoon at a BP station in North Belle Vernon.
Authorities believe a woman gave birth in the station's restroom. The baby was found when paramedics called to assist the woman looked in the trash bin.
The baby was nearly full term and is expected to survive. The child is being monitored at a hospital.
Peck says authorities are investigating. No charges have been filed.
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Judge condemns police treatment of lone Castille protestor
Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon heavily criticised the way police treated Ignatius Busuttil as he protested in front of Castille in 2014, calling it 'a denial of the right to freedom of expression'
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Train smashes into New Jersey station, more than 100 hurt
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Court orders compensation for man who was arrested for protesting in front of Castille
The court ordered the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General to give the sum of €2,000 in compensation to Ignatius Busutill, the man who was arrested and sent to Mount Carmel for protesting outside Castille.
The case dates back to 2014, when 59-year-old Busuttil carried out a peaceful protest against the planning authority (MEPA) outside Castille. The man was arrested, interrogated, and sent to Mount Carmel after the protest.
Mr Busuttil had carried out other protests for which he was also questioned and warned by the police not to go to Castille again. In the official statement given to the police and signed by Mr Busuttil, he was asked why he wanted to speak to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, what he intended to say to Dr Muscat and what his grievances with MEPA are.
The police asked him whether he had ever tried to make a formal appointment with Dr Muscat or any other government officials. The police then asked Mr Busuttil whether he has any mental problems.
The court, presided by Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, heard how Mr Busuttil carried out the protest on his own and was no threat to national or public security. Mr Busuttil argued that the police had stopped him from expressing himself.
Mr Busuttil was accused of disobeying police orders and obstructing traffic. During the initial questioning, the police warned Mr Busuttil not to "go to Castille again and break the law."
After the Police arrested him on Friday they took him to the Valletta depot. He was then taken to the Floriana clinic and seen by a doctor. The doctor gave him an appointment to see a psychiatrist at Mater Dei the following morning.
Still under arrest at this point, the police then took Mr Busuttil back the depot and asked him to sign the statement which he had given them. The police then took him to Mater Dei where he was seen by another doctor. From there, he was transported under arrest to Mount Carmel via Ambulance.
Mr Busuttil said he was sent to Mount Carmel for three days but only ended up staying overnight.
Mr Busuttil had decided to head to Castille and protest after an appointment he had with an official from MEPA. According to Busuttil, the MEPA official was speaking to him as if he was "talking to a child". At this point, the accused decided to head to Castille to speak with the Prime Minister directly. When he parked the car at the square, a soldier who was stationed at the steps of Castille, told him that he was not allowed to leave the car there. As he was speaking to him, a police officer had put a ticket on Busuttil's car. The accused asked why did the police issue a ticket if it was a question of a couple of minutes and by the time the conversation ended, six police officers had approached the car.
To avoid that the situation from escalating, the accused had agreed to get in the car with the police.
After this first incident, the man went to protest in front of Castille another two times.
The court noted that Busuttil's behaviour had a certain unconformity, but it was not illegal. It censored the police for being afraid of the demonstration and went from handing a parking ticket, to prejudicing the person's dignity. "The right to protest is an integral part freedom of expression."
The Judge further noted that for such an action from the police force to be justified, there needs to be sufficient proof that the matter would endanger national or public security, which in this case was neither.
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Second coach in England loses job out after newspaper sting
A British newspaper investigation led to a second soccer coach getting fired in England on Thursday.
Two days after Sam Allardyce lost his job as England manager following an undercover operation by the Daily Telegraph, second-tier club Barnsley fired assistant coach Tommy Wright.
Wright was filmed apparently accepting an envelope which the Telegraph said contained 5,000 pounds ($6,500) from a fake Asian firm to help place players at the northern club. Video footage was released by the newspaper late Wednesday and Wright was immediately suspended by Barnsley.
"After considering Mr. Wright's response to allegations in today's Daily Telegraph about breaching (Football Association) rules over player transfers, Mr. Wright was dismissed," the club said after a meeting with the coach on Thursday.
Barnsley said it was "unaware of such matters or involved in any wrongdoing."
The English Football Association decided to terminate Allardyce's contract on Tuesday after video showed him appearing to offer advice to fictitious businessmen on how to sidestep an outlawed player transfer practice and also negotiating a 400,000 pound ($519,000) public-speaking contract to top up an annual England salary of 3 million pounds ($4 million).
English soccer is reeling after three days of accusations by the newspaper following its months-long investigation into alleged wrongdoing in the game.
Queens Park Rangers is investigating footage that appeared to show its coach, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, seeking a fee of 55,000 pounds ($71,600) to work for a fake Far Eastern firm that had suggested selling players to the second-tier London club.
Hasselbaink denied any wrongdoing, saying he was only offered a fee to make a speech in Singapore and did not ask QPR to sign players said to have been represented by the fake firm. QPR said it had "every confidence" in Hasselbaink but would undergo a "thorough internal investigation."
The Daily Telegraph also filmed an agent accusing 10 managers, which it did not name, of taking bribes linked to player transfers.
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New Jersey Transit train crashes into Hoboken station
A NJ Transit commuter train crashed into the Hoboken station in New Jersey this morning, with reports of injuries
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Danes receive Panama Papers data to fight tax dodging
Danish tax authorities say they have received data leaked from a Panamanian law firm that helped customers open offshore companies to avoid paying taxes, adding they paid nearly six million kroner ($902,500) for it.
Jim Soerensen, an official with the Danish Customs and Tax Administration, says they were able "to review the material before we paid."
In Thursday's statement, Soerensen said they now will "go deeper" to see whether people in the documents should be investigated for tax dodging.
Earlier this month, the Danish authorities said they had received an anonymous offer to acquire data from the so-called "Panama Papers" that could involve up to 600 people. At the time they didn't disclose the price.
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Italy's Berlusconi turns 80 amid reflections and greetings
Silvio Berlusconi has marked his 80th birthday quietly with his family, amid a flurry of greetings and reflections on the former Italian premier's political career that spanned more than two decades.
Italian television and dailies used Thursday's occasion to contemplate the legacy of the three-time former premier and billionaire media mogul, with Corriere della Sera commenting that Berlusconi had "colonized the imagination of the Italians like no other political leader."
Commentators also noted his frequent gaffes, long judicial battles and penchant for unusual headgear.
Berlusconi's political fortunes have waned since being ousted from parliament over a tax fraud conviction. He underwent open-heart surgery earlier this year.
The AC Milan soccer club posted a birthday video for Berlusconi on its website, while political allies tweeted greetings under the hashtag #Berlusconi80.
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Formula 1 driver runs over a chicken..while riding a bike
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More students taking up post-secondary education
The number of fifth formers who moved into post-secondary education increased by six per cent over five years, according to new data. The latest Tracer Study, carried out by the Directorate for Education Services in February 2015, "traced" teenagers who had completed compulsory education in June of 2014. Of the 93 per cent that took part in the study, 87 per cent had furthered their education, while seven per cent had found a job. Despite the increase, the number of students who continued their studies at MQF level three or less was worrying, according to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo. Nearly a third – or 31 per cent – continued post-secondary education at MQF level one, two or three. This meant that these students did not reach the level of education expected of fifth formers. "This is unacceptable, and what is more worrying is the gender gap, with a larger percentage of male students in the lower levels," he said, adding that boys had lost their male role models within the education sector as most of the staff was female. "We cannot allow such a gender gap, as this is detrimental also within the social context… it has been proven that the incidence in domestic violence is...
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Watch: Footage shows five-year-old girl pulled from Syria rubble
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Pink October campaign aims to raise awareness on breast cancer prevention, €90,000 in donations
The national Pink October campaign is returning for a third consecutive year, stronger and better than ever before, to raise funds and awareness about breast cancer prevention, research and equipment to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients, organisers said today.
The Pink October 2016 campaign aims to raise €90,000 from corporate sponsors, private donations and from various activities which will be held throughout October. The funds will be used to purchase a FaxitronBiovision machine to further enhance diagnostic precision and effectiveness during breast and other cancer related surgery.
Over the last three years, Pink October has raised €150,000 in funds and is now recognized asMalta's largest fund raising and awareness event on breast cancer.
Details about campaign events planned for Pink October 2016 were announced by Mrs Michelle Muscat, chairperson of The Marigold Foundation, and Adrian Fabri, company director at JPA, organisers of the campaign, during a launch event held at GlobalCapital in Ta' Xbiex in the presence of local NGOs active in breast cancer awareness programs, Europa Donna Malta and Action for Breast Cancer Foundation. The event was also addressedby Mr Reuben Zammit, CEO of GlobalCapital, main sponsor of the event.
Pink October2016 brings together a number of non-profit and commercial entities under an umbrella movementunited by a shared vision to step up the fight against breast cancer, including The Marigold Foundation, NGOs Europa Donna Malta andAction for Breast Cancer, JPA, the majority of Malta's media houses and numerous commercial partners.
For the first time since inception in 2014, the Pink October movement is receiving a financial boost from GlobalCapitalp.l.c. In line with its corporate values and ethos, GlobalCapital has accepted to sponsor the Pink October campaign through a main sponsorship agreement. This collaboration coincides with the launching of Cancer Care - a new insurance product by GlobalCapital offering up to €100,000 in financial support for policyholders who encounter cancer during the term of their policy.
Mr Reuben Zammit, Chief Executive Officer at GlobalCapital, said "Our business at GlobalCapital is derived from protecting life and health. Insurance products provide a shoulder and peace of mind when unpleasant circumstances in our lives unfold unexpectedly. However, the best protection always stems from leading healthy lifestyles and awareness; early diagnosis increases survival chances. This is the main reason why GlobalCapital has joined forces with Pink October Malta - to raise as much awareness as possible on breast cancer and the available methods to fight it."
Adrian Fabri, company Director at JPA, said "We are proud to have given birth and nurtured the Pink October Malta movement over the past three years. Pink October is undoubtedly the leading platform in Malta for raising awareness and funds towards the breast cancer cause. We are indebted to all NGOs and health care professionals for their untiring efforts to save lives and we are equally indebted to all our campaign partners who contribute towards making Pink October a reality."
Donations collected last year were used to purchase X-ray equipment for breast biopsies,thus helping surgeonsto be more accurate when removing breast cancers and increase survival rates for patients.
Pink October events
Art Auction at Auberge de Castille on Friday 30 September
Attendance is strictly by invitation only. Viewings and bids at http://ift.tt/2dnbPyX
Motorbike Rideon Sunday 2 October starting at Golden Bay at 8am and finishing in Gżira at 10.30am. Registration at http://ift.tt/2dnDrpf or on the day at Golden Bay
Run to the Rhythmon Sunday 16 October at 8.30am – a 10K run from Bay Street to Gżira and back. Registration at http://ift.tt/2dnb9tH
or on the day at Bay Street
Teaat Palazzo Parisio on Friday 21 October at 4.30pm followed by an evening cocktail party till late. By invitation and for ticket holders only.
Walk for Lifeon Sunday 23 October starting at PjazzaGavinoGulia, Cospicua at 10.30am and finishing at Smart City. Registration at http://ift.tt/2cYmWLx
or on the day at the starting line.
Donations and participation
For more information on Pink October events or to donate money towards the cause, please follow the campaign updates at http://ift.tt/1t2bzY5 or follow the Pink October Malta Facebook page at http://ift.tt/2cYnnoW.
Caption : From right Anne Micallef, Esther Sant, Dennis Vella Baldacchino, Michelle Muscat, Adrian Fabri, Reuben Zammit, Sharon Cassar Laudi and Betty Lee Hanley.
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Tourism Minister visits ITS fresher’s week, institute to accommodate 600 students this year
Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis this morning visited the main campus of the Institute for Tourism Studies in St Julian's and told students that the sector was going through exciting times and record growth.
The institute will be accommodating over 600 students this year. Dr Zammit Lewis said the ITS has a very important role to ensure that Malta remains firmly on the success path in the future.
The Minister pointed out the latest inbound tourism figures published today by NSO confirming that for the first time in the month of August, Malta surpassed the quarter of a million figure in inbound tourists, registering a 3.4% increase on August 2015. "This is truly a historic achievement", he said. Tourist expenditure between the first 8 months of the year reached the €1 billion mark, to be exact €1.157 billion, meaning 3.6% more than that registered between January and August of last year. This meant an increase of €40 million more in direct revenue in the economy.
The minister said ITS students will now have more opportunities than ever to grow both personally and professionally thanks to a consolidated and streamlined educational structure in the classroom and the possibilities provided through the Institute's strong relationships with leading local and international tourism as well as hospitality players, leading to local and overseas placements, internships, sponsorships and networking opportunities, even while students are still in the process of finalising their studies.
Dr Zammit Lewis explained that Malta's tourism competitiveness can only be sustained if growth is accompanied by the development of, and investment in, our human resources. To this end, we have been engaging all related stakeholders to secure their commitment towards measures designed to enhance the working conditions and the professional quality of the tourism workforce.
ITS Executive Director Pierre Fenech said: "we believe that through these opportunities that ITS provides, our students expand their knowledge and skills, gain an international perspective and, at the same time, build a very important network of friends and contacts on an international scale that will serve them for their careers in the tourism and hospitality industry."
Freshers' Week at the Institute of Tourism Studies is this year held on the 28th, 29th & 30th September, during which students have the opportunity to visit the various ITS Departmental stands to finalise the preparations for the start of their academic year.
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European Council ignores MEPs’ vote and approves Leo Brincat nomination to Court of Auditors
As expected, Malta has pushed through Leo Brincat's nomination to the European Court of Auditors
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Leo Brincat makes it to the Court of Auditors as EU ministers ignore the European Parliament
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Share index halts 5-day positive streak
The share index closed lower for the first time in a week as it retreated by a minimal 0.08 per cent to 4,455.970 points, reflecting the declines in the share prices of Lombard and RS2 which outweighed the gains in Mapfre Middlesea, BOV and Malta Properties. Lombard Bank traded for the first time in a month and lost 4.5 per cent to close at the €2.10 level on insignificant volumes. A single deal of 12,000 shares dragged the share price of RS2 Software 1.2 per cent lower to the €1.63 level. The most actively traded equity today was Tigne' Mall as 105,000 shares (valued at €0.11 million – representing 55 per cent of the total value of equities traded) left the share price of the shopping mall owner unchanged at €1.06,5. HSBC failed to hold on to its intra-day high of €1.63,8 (+1.1 per cent) as it finished the day unchanged at the €1.62 level. A total of 3,599 shares changed hands. In contrast, Bank of Valletta recaptured its near five-month high of €2.26 (+0.2 per cent) on 24,700 shares. Meanwhile, BOV's insurance associate, Mapfre Middlesea plc, climbed 1.4 per cent to the €2.10 level on trivial volumes. Malta Properties Company extended its recent run as it gained a further 0.2...
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Higuain move may be blessing in disguise for Napoli
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Malta shown yellow card over failure to transpose EU rules on professional services
European Commission launches infringement procedures against Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Malta, Poland and Spain for excessive and unjustified obstacles in the area of professional services
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Mediterranean diet could prevent thousands of deaths in UK
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Malta gets European Commission warning
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Tired of long queues? Japan's Nissan Motor has the perfect chair for you
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Man pleads not guilty to drug charges, released on bail
A man was ordered to pay a total of €12,000 as part of his bail conditions, after pleading not guilty
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Charged with cultivating cannabis
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Pink October campaign launched
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Emanuel Camilleri sexual molestation convictions quashed at last
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Two plays tackling dementia this weekend
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Speaker non-committal after MP sends unsolicited birthday cards
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After scolding FIFA on ethics, English soccer stands accused
When lecturing FIFA on ethics, English soccer leaders look like the moral arbiters of the game.
It's an attitude that gives the English Football Association little wiggle room when problems land on its own doorstep.
So once the England team manager's integrity was damaged by unguarded comments to undercover reporters about illegal transfer practices, while attempting to cash in on his prestigious job, Sam Allardyce's position was untenable. Allardyce's contract was terminated after 67 days and one game in charge.
"If we are going to be opinionated on how people behave in football in England and internationally we have to live the high standards ourselves," FA chairman Greg Clarke said. "A problem came. We dealt with it quickly."
But the problems aren't going away. Far from it, with further allegations of wrongdoing emerging and pressure to act from the government.
The Daily Telegraph also filmed an agent accusing 10 managers, which it did not name, of taking bribes linked to player transfers.
The latest installment of the months-long investigation, which was published late Wednesday, led to second-tier club Barnsley suspending its assistant manager. Tommy Wright was filmed apparently accepting an envelope which the newspaper said contained 5,000 pounds ($6,500) from a fake Asian firm to help place players at the northern club.
Bribes linked to transfers have long been suspected in England, which hosts the world's richest domestic soccer competition in the Premier League.
"The vast number of Premier League transfers, loans and contract renegotiations involving large sums of money, combined with the greed of those involved in the deals, give rise to corruption," Liz Ellen, head of sports at law firm Mishcon de Reya, told The Associated Press.
There is one quick fix.
"There should be a separation of powers," Ellen said. "Managers and players should not have the same agents as this creates conflicts of interests and appearances of bias or conflict which are difficult to overcome."
The League Managers Association said it is taking the allegations of bribery "very seriously as they are obviously damaging to the game."
Queens Park Rangers said it had "every confidence" in manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink while launching an investigation after he was filmed appearing to seek a fee of 55,000 pounds ($71,600) to work for a fake Far Eastern firm suggested selling players to the second-tier London club. Hasselbaink denied any wrongdoing, saying he was only offered a fee to make a speech in Singapore and did not ask QPR to sign players said to have been represented by the fake firm.
Allardyce is the highest-profile scalp from the investigators.
A video published on Monday showed Allardyce appearing to offer advice to fictitious businessmen on how to sidestep an outlawed player transfer practice and also negotiating a 400,000-pound ($519,000) public-speaking contract to top up an annual England salary of 3 million pounds ($4 million).
A further recording showed Allardyce mocking predecessor Roy Hodgson, who was fired after England's humiliating loss to tiny Iceland at the European Championship in June, questioning the FA's financial strategy, and talking dismissively about the organization's president, Prince William.
"On reflection it was a silly thing to do," Allardyce said outside his home near the northern English city of Manchester on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, it was an error of judgment on my behalf and I've paid the consequences."
Allardyce was heading for the airport to escape England and to reflect on becoming the shortest-serving manager of the team.
Before getting in his car, Allardyce had a message for the investigative journalists.
"Entrapment has won on this occasion," the former Sunderland and West Ham manager said, "and I have to accept that."
Covert investigations were also at the heart of wrongdoing around FIFA being exposed, although U.S. authorities instigated the case that led to dozens of soccer officials being indicted.
In English soccer, a newspaper is leading the charge through covert operations.
"This kind of expose is a good tonic to the issue of corruption in football because it adds a fear factor," said Ellen, the London-based lawyer. "When club officials and agents see what could happen when they are exposed, then the fear of getting caught could be a bigger motivating factor than the desire to act properly in the first place."
But Allardyce received backing from an earlier occupant of the England job who was fired over bad results rather than any off-field conduct.
"Sam has innocently has paid the price," said Steve McClaren, whose reputation is defined by his miserable spell with England in 2006 and 2007. "It could have happened to any of us in high-profile sports positions."
When asked later by the AP if he was aware of being caught up in the Telegraph investigation, McClaren said: "No comment."
Earlier at the SoccerEx global convention, McClaren complained that as a manager: "Privacy can only really be found in the four walls of your own home."
If Allardyce had a greater awareness of his responsibilities as England manager when being wooed by fake businessmen, he would not have lost the job he chased for more than a decade.
And now the British government wants action.
"We will be discussing the matter with the football authorities," sports minister Tracey Crouch said. "All the evidence presented to them must be investigated fully and we stand ready to assist in any way we can."
The FA and England's leagues responded, saying in a joint statement that the allegations from the newspaper stings will be investigated and any evidence of criminality would be handed to authorities.
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Wrongly convicted father struck off sex offender register
Since his exoneration,
Emanuel Camilleri has filed constitutional proceedings claiming that his right to fair trial had been breached
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Erdogan was behind failed Turkey coup - cleric
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Nigerian who swallowed 46 cocaine capsules before flight from Brussels jailed 7 years
A Nigerian national has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment after he was found to be carrying 588 grams of cocaine, by swallowing the substance in numerous capsules, before getting on a flight from Brussels to Malta.
The accused, Eddy Favour Imeh, was charged with conspiring to traffic the substance and being in possession of the drug for the purposes of trafficking.
The incident took place on 5 August 2013, when the accused had conspired with persons overseas to carry a large quantity of cocaine on his person, to be delivered to another individual in Malta upon arrival. The accused was to receive instructions once he arrived in Malta.
The accused was to receive €36 for each capsule he swallowed, with the intention of swallowing 100 in total. It transpired that he only managed to swallow 46. Upon arrival at Malta International Airport, authorities had searched the accused and subsequently took him for an X-Ray, which is when the capsules were found. It is said that the street value of the capsules seized amount to roughly €37,000.
The accused admitted that the cocaine found on his person was intended to be trafficked.
The courts allowed the accused to retract his guilty plea, and warned him of the possible consequences of such a plea, however Mr Imeh chose not to retract.
In view of the above, the courts sentenced him to seven years imprisonment and fined him €5,000 – which is to be paid in 15 days. Failure to do so, would amount to further jail-time. Judge Antonio Mizzi presided over the case.
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Malta Classic (formerly known as Mdina Grand Prix) launched
The Minister for Tourism Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis and Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport Chris Agius today launched the Malta Classic, formerly known as the Mdina Grand Prix
During the launch of Malta Classic, Minister Zammit Lewis stated that 'this prestigious event is now in its sixth year and has positively contributed towards building a strong image for our islands as a diverse destination. It is an honour for the Government to support the Malta Classic that has now firmly established itself within our yearly calendar of events.'
The Minister emphasised that the Government acknowledges the great potential of local Sports Tourism, which is increasingly growing. The Maltese islands are being actively promoted as a suitable destination for a number of outdoor activity holidays such as diving, walking, cycling and rock-climbing. 'We believe in Malta as an ideal destination where sports and outdoor activities can be practiced all year round' said the Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis.
Malta offers a unique setting to both participants and spectators, as, it is being held against the magnificent backdrops of the localities of Mellieħa and Mdina. Our history, mild climate and, excellent hospitality are well known internationally and this is exactly what makes our islands a highly appealing destination for tourists and visitors all-year round.
The Minister for Tourism noted that this event is effectively promoted overseas through adverts on specialized publications targeting automobile enthusiasts and this year, the MTA will also be hosting a number of specialized journalists & photographers from established publications such as Motorsports Magazine (UK), Huffington Post (Germany) & Guida Viaggi (Italy) amongst others, to cover the event.
Furthermore MTA overseas offices also promote the Malta Classic through web advertising, social media, press releases and e-newsletters to media, tourism trade contacts as well as the general public. Articles and photography worth thousands of Euros of promotion are then published, whereby Malta as a destination and the Malta Classic event are given international coverage. The Government is firmly committed to support events of this caliber, for better prospects in the Tourism Sector for the immediate future and beyond.
Mr Chris Agius,said that the Malta Classic has become an important event in Malta's sporting calendar. He said competitions of the sort helped promote sports tourism in our country, a niche that is expanding rapidly. In addition, Sport Malta is fulfilling its aim of hosting more international competitions in Malta, giving local athletes a chance to compete against the best without the expense of travelling abroad. Taking part in such events is beneficial for local athletes since it broadens their experience in the discipline they practice, by competing with people of the same or of higher calibre.
In conclusion, the Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis and Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport Chris Agius thanked the organisers who keep this exciting sport event a fixed event for avid car enthusiasts, Maltese families and tourists alike and wished for the event to be a success.
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Seven-year sentence for attempting to import a half-kilo of cocaine from Brussels
The man was sentenced to seven years imprisonment and fined €5,000, which if not paid would be converted to a longer prison sentence
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Following in Malta’s footsteps, Norway extends gender identity laws to children
Ten-year-old Anna Thulin-Myge's passport shows what looks like an ordinary Norwegian girl wearing her long, blond hair fastened with a clip. It lists her first name as Anna, but under sex it says "M."
"That means male," Anna says, running her finger across the document. "In some weeks I'm going to have a new passport, and then it's going to say 'F.'"
Norway, a wealthy, progressive nation of 5 million people, recently became the fifth country in the world to allow adults to legally change genders without a doctor's agreement or intervention. Argentina, Ireland and Denmark have similar laws. But only Malta and Norway have extended the liberalized rules to children.
Provided they have parental consent, Norwegian children as young as 6 can now self-identify as male or female, effectively overruling the gender assigned to them at birth. Anna is one of nine minors in the country to have taken advantage since the new rules were adopted in June.
With no requirement for surgery or counseling, the process is as easy as filing a tax return. So far, Norway has not refused a single application. Soon, Anna will receive the official letter confirming the government recognizes her as the girl she always knew herself to be.
"When I was little I liked to dress up in dresses," she says. "And play with dolls, and so I actually think that I was a girl the whole time."
Anna's mother, Siri Oline Myge, agrees. Her daughter endured several years of confusion and rejection when she was forced to be a boy named Adrian at school, and the legal recognition means Anna can look forward to a future without suspicion and constant misunderstandings, she says.
"Anna had two separate identities," Oline Myge says. "It took a long time for her to get her confidence back."
Though Norwegian lawmakers concede that some of the questions surrounding transgender children remain unsettled, the law generated little controversy when it was introduced. Parliament members from left to right approved the legislation in June on a 79-13 vote.
"I have met several young people who have told me that this new law is making their lives easier. Several have come out of a dark place," said Health Minister Bent Hoie, a Conservative Party member who piloted the legislation through the Storting.
Lawmakers considered adding a mandatory reflection period for both adults and children before they could legally transition, but concluded that would be "patronizing," Hoie said.
Instead, after completing an online form that generates a mailed response from tax authorities, applicants must only return a letter confirming their intention to change genders.
Once their applications are approved, they receive a new national identification number that unlocks the ability to update all forms of identification, from passports and driver's licenses to birth certificates and credit cards. The tax ID numbers in Norway are gender-specific.
Until July, Norway was one of 32 European countries that required people to undergo long periods of counseling, hormone replacement and ultimately sex reassignment surgery before their gender changes would be legally recognized.
The provision effectively prevented children from transitioning legally and put off many adults who either couldn't afford or didn't want the surgery. In the United States, requirements vary by state, but transgender residents generally must provide proof of "clinically appropriate treatment."
Although Malta allows parents or guardians to seek gender changes on behalf of children in court, Norway is the only country where minors go through the same administrative process as adults.
Some supporters, including Transgender Europe Senior Policy Officer Richard Kohler, think Norway should go even further and remove the remaining restrictions on official gender changes for children under 6.
"It shows that there is an underlying belief that trans is bad and problematic," Kohler said of the age limit. "It gives the signal that we don't believe children, and that we need to protect them from gender from an early age."
Anna lives with her mother, stepfather and three siblings by a fjord in Haugesund, a small west coast town. The family dog sniffs around their wooden house; a dinner of home-caught moose simmers in the kitchen.
When she was 5, concerned relatives and neighbors said Anna's mother was indulging a dangerous fantasy and accused her of projecting a desire for a daughter onto her son. Norway's child protection services were called. Social workers monitored the family until doctors persuaded the child welfare agency that Anna's female identity was genuine.
"I saw that Anna was different from before she was 3," Oline Myge says. "She wanted to wear clips in her hair and got really unhappy when I cut it."
After legally changing her name in July 2013, Anna started wearing dresses to school and encountered some bullying. She enrolled at a new school this year where classmates have never known her as Adrian. She says she is much happier there.
The Norwegian Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity, which helped draft the law, successfully lobbied to have the age threshold lowered from 7 to 6 so children could start school with their records already updated — heading off the sort of public transition Anna had.
Most of the 250 Norwegians who have applied for a gender change since the law took effect are adults. Christine Jentoft, a 28-year-old who requested a new tax identification number over the summer, welcomes the ability to self-identify, saying it's not the government's place to decide her gender.
"The only people who know about my genitals are my doctor, my girlfriend and me," said Jentoft, who is the biological father of a 5-year-old girl and identifies as a lesbian.
Jentoft started living as a woman six years ago. But she has been reluctant to leave Norway without a passport that matched her gender identity. Now, she can get the marker on her passport and all of her other government-issued records revised.
"I don't have to suffer a lot of questions anymore like I've done in the past, like people wanting to know, 'Why does it say male here? Why do you have a male personal number?'" she said.
While some church groups have bristled at the new rules, groups that advocate for transgender Norwegians also have voiced concerns.
Harry Benjamin Resource Center President Mikael Scott Bjerkeli, whose Oslo organization works to make treatment accessible for transgender people to transition medically, thinks the law was rushed through. He worries it could set back progress, if it ends up being abused.
Bjerkeli cited the example of a Danish man who legally changed genders under policies similar to Norway's, then disrobed in a women's changing room last year to make a political point.
"We have worked so many years to build up an understanding of what this condition is, and who this group is," Bjerkeli says. "Something like this, where someone takes off their clothes, could make people think this is all a joke again."
He thinks some counseling should be required before people can change genders legally.
Anna says she has thought long and hard enough. In the next few years, she intends to begin taking hormones that will delay puberty until she is old enough for gender reassignment surgery.
"I actually don't miss Adrian," she says. "Because I really want to be Anna all the time, and now I am Anna, a girl, and I don't want to go back to being the boy."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2d6zZzM
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