Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Jamal Khashoggi strangled as soon as he entered consulate confirms Turkey
Turkey has given its first official statement on how it believes Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed
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Black box retrieved from missing plane
A black box flight recorder from the Lion Air kight that went down has been found by divers off the coast of Indonesia
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Utility bills ‘anomaly’ will be corrected next year, Prime Minister says
In a wide-ranging interview on TVM's Dissett, Joseph Muscat says the government is close to identifying a site for a motorsport racing track
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Jason Micallef lambasts Peppi Azzopardi, calling Liam Debono interview a ‘marketing stunt’
V18 chairman Jason Micallef hit out at Xarabank presenter Peppi Azzopardi, saying all sense of decency has been lost, in reference to the Liam Debono interview controversy.
Micallef claimed that Azzopardi in 'the rudest and filthiest manner' had created a 'divisive' debate over a case that had shocked the country just a few months ago.
"I have no doubt that the filth because there is no other word for what Joe Azzopardi is saying at the moment, is nothing but a 'marketing stunt' of which he is an expert," Micallef said in a Facebook post.
Malta had created a presenter that posed as a champion for the underprivileged, Micallef said. The post continued to say that Azzopardi "insists that Friday evenings on PBS was a right left to him by his grandfather for 20 whole years."
Micallef also expressed his dismay at the management of PBS for letting a presenter cause it embarrassment, by attacking and challenging a magistrate's decision. He further noted that he is surprised by the Broadcasting Authority's silence who he said is letting such stupidities air on a state station paid by the taxpayers money.
His outburst came after last week Magistrate Joe Mifsud issued a gagging order that prevented Xarabank from airing an interview with Debono.
Debono stands accused of the attempted murder of police officer Simon Schembri earlier this year. The Magistrate said he wanted to avoid a trial by media. Xarabank host Peppi Azzopardi has insisted that the interview had nothing to do with the court case.
In a joint statement the editors of The Malta Independent, the Times of Malta, Malta Today and Lovin Malta, have expressed concern over the magistrate's gagging order.
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450 parking spaces to be used for national car sharing service
A contract between a car sharing company and the Transport Ministry signed in October 2017 shows that around 450 parking spaces around the Maltese islands will be used.
PN MP Karol Aquilina asked the Transport Minister for the total number of parking psaces that will be used by the Car2Go project.
In response, Transport Minister Ian Borg said that the 2017 agreement was for a national car sharing service with Car2Go, and it followed a call for offers.
Currently, he said, the Transport Ministry, as well as Car2Go are conducting meetings with local councils to identify the ideal parking areas for this project which "aims to contribute towards a reduction in traffic in urban centres as one would make use of a shared vehicle, rather than a private vehicle."
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78 full-time, and 5 part-time workers employed by entities under health ministry before election
Health Minister Chris Fearne has said that 78 full-time, and 5 part-time workers were employed within the different departments and entities within the Health Ministry between 1 March 2017 and 3 June 2017, just prior to the general election.
He was responding to a Parliamentary Question posed by PN MP Jason Azzopardi.
This number included 27 people were employed at Mater Dei hospital, 6 at Mt Carmel Hospital, 2 with the Information Management Unit and POYC, 31 with the Foundation for Medical Services, 4 in the Oncology Centre and the Primary Care Department, and a few others.
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15% of recommendations by NAO in number of reports saw little or no progress
For the second successive year, Auditor General Charles Deguara presented a compendium of follow-up reports carried out on a number of audits undertaken over the past few years to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia.
This year, the National Audit Office has once again identified a number of audits carried out in recent years with a view of monitoring the implementation or otherwise of the main recommendations made therein. The purpose is to establish whether, and to what extent, shortcomings and issues identified in past audits are being addressed by the ministries and entities concerned.
An analysis on the degree of implementation of this Office's recommendations was undertaken on the following past audit reports:
Financial and compliance audits:
- Heritage Malta
- Mount Carmel Hospital Expenditure
- Medicines Authority
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects
- Office of the Prime Minister - Energy Project
Performance Audits:
- The General Practitioner Function - The core of primary health care
- Enforcement Action by MEPA within the Outside Development Zone
- Tackling Domestic Violence
- An Analysis of the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme
IT Audits:
- Institute of Tourism Studies
- Housing Authority
This Office notes that 47% of recommendations analysed by NAO were fully implemented by the Ministries and entities concerned, 38% were partly implemented, while 15% showed no developments or little progress.
This publication may be accessed through the NAO website: www.nao.gov.mt,
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Jason Micallef hits out at Peppi Azzopardi over Xarabank's Liam Debono interview
V18 chairman Jason Micallef says Peppi Azzopardi turned the Liam Debono controversy into a "marketing stunt"
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Malta Freeport deploys boom as a precaution after oil residue seen in terminal basin
Malta Freeport Terminals has deployed a temporary protective boom outside Birżebbuġa's Pretty Bay as a precautionary measure after a significant amount of oil residue was observed at the end of the terminal's basin.
This incident happened earlier today when Freeport employees noticed a rainbow-coloured oil slick near Terminal One. Transport Malta is investigating the cause and the Freeport took the decision to deploy the boom.
This lightweight rapid response boom - a €30,000 investment by the Freeport last year - stops the oil spill from spreading beyond the Freeport waters.
It will remain in place until the spill is cleared.
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Labour MEP candidate asks European anti-fraud agency to investigate Casa allegations
Labour MEP candidate Alex Agius Saliba has written to OLAF, the European anti-fraud office, asking it to investigate the allegations made against PN MEP David Casa by a former aide, who spoke to MaltaToday
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Turkish prosecutor says Saudi writer strangled, dismembered
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul as part of a premeditated killing, and his body was dismembered before being disposed of, a top Turkish prosecutor said Wednesday.
A statement from chief Istanbul prosecutor Irfan Fidan's office also said that discussions with Saudi chief prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb have yielded no "concrete results" despite "good-willed efforts" by Turkey to uncover the truth.
The statement is the first public confirmation by a Turkish official that Khashoggi was strangled and dismembered after he entered the Saudi Consulate on Oct. 2 to collect paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancee.
The announcement came as Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, ended a three-day visit to Istanbul during which he held talks with Fidan and other Turkish officials.
Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 Saudi suspects detained in Saudi Arabia over the killing of Khashoggi. It is also pressing Saudi Arabia for information concerning Khashoggi's remains, which still haven't been found, as well as who ordered the journalist's slaying. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also called on Riyadh to disclose the identity of an alleged local collaborator said to have been involved in disposing of Khashoggi's body.
Khashoggi, a 59-year-old columnist for The Washington Post, vanished after entering the consulate in Istanbul to pick up paperwork for his upcoming marriage to his fiancee, who was waiting for him outside. A critic of the Saudi royal family, Khashoggi had been living in exile in the United States.
Turkey alleges a Saudi hit squad from Saudi Arabia - including a member of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's entourage during a trip to the United States- traveled to Istanbul to kill the journalist and then tried to cover it up.
Under mounting pressure, Saudi Arabia changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, eventually admitting that Khashoggi died inside the consulate and only recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows his killing was premeditated.
Saudi Arabia has not commented on the prosecutor's visit.
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Caritas recognises budget as socially sensitive, but questions if enough was done in certain sectors
Caritas, while recognising that the budget is socially sensitive and addresses the needs of the working poor, says that the question as to whether the benefits generated are being adequately divided, and if the rises are enough to deal with the cost of living, remain.
Caritas mentioned some of the socially sensitive measures, such as the childrens' allowance, and an increase in benefits for persons with disability and those with mental health problems. It positively noted attempts to address the grave situation of some individuals who depend on private rent and do not have adequate housing.
Caritas positively mentioned the raise in rent subsidies, investment in social housing, and other measures that help people struggling to have a roof over their heads.
They said that another measure that affects people include the push to eradicate Hepatitis C, as well as investment in the hail in order to improve infrastructure to improve rehabilitation, investment in youth work and the continuation of in-work benefits.
Caritas however, expressed its thoughts on a number of issues.
In terms of the education sector, Caritas expected a greater push for children to remain in school, which could have been in the form of additional family benefits dependant on whether a child attends school 90% to 95% of the time.
Caritas also questioned whether the rise in pensions and in the minimum wage were adequate
While welcoming the work regarding drug prevention, Caritas noted that primary prevention in schools strengthens the conviction against drug use by children at low risk of experimentation and drug use. Caritas noted that many of these programmes failed to reach those who are at medium or high risk enough.
Regarding the proposed cannabis reform, Caritas proposes a national reform that addresses a wider array of substances and not just cannabis, while hoping that legal access to cannabis remains solely for medicinal purposes and that the decriminalisation law improves.
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Melchior Spiteri murder acquittal confirmed on appeal
Court of appeal hits out at practise of non-public submissions in criminal cases
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Malta embraces Halloween
Halloween has slowly wedged itself into the Maltese way of life, with even local councils now taking part in the yearly event
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Taste&Flair - The Hot November issue this Sunday
Get ready for this Sunday's November issue of Taste&Flair out with The Malta Independent. It's our autumn issue packed with inspiring ideas and delicious recipes and comfort foods. Have a look at some sneak peeks now. In this issue > traditional cooking, warming soups and rice.
Start preparing ahead for Christmas with tea breads, tarts and biscuits and also some things to prepare ahead of the Christmas season including fig and whisky mincemeat and plum and pomegranate chutney. Also in this issue - Milan's iconic Villa Necchi Campiglio, a stunning London Home, Impressionists at the National Gallery and Alphons Mucha.
Make sure to reserve your copy at your newsagent.
Interested to advertise in upcoming Special Christmas Edition of Taste&Flair out 2nd DEC? Contact Sean Ellul on 00356 2134 5888 ext 123 or email him on sellul@independent.com.mt
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[WATCH] Black bags lined the streets but this did not surprise Jose Herrera
It was not an entirely successful day for the new organic waste collection system but Environment Minister Jose Herrera says every white bag picked up helps reduce the impact on the landfills
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James ‘Whitey’ Bulger, Boston gangster, found slain in prison at 89
James "Whitey" Bulger, the murderous Boston gangster who benefited from a corrupt relationship with the FBI before spending 16 years as one of America's most wanted men, was slain in federal prison. He was 89.
Bulger was found unresponsive Tuesday morning at the U.S. penitentiary in West Virginia where he'd just been transferred, and a medical examiner declared him dead shortly afterward, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Authorities did not immediately release a cause of death, but Justin Tarovisky, a prison union official, told The Associated Press it was being investigated as a homicide.
Bulger, the model for Jack Nicholson's ruthless crime boss in the 2006 Martin Scorsese movie, "The Departed," led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets. He also was an FBI informant who ratted on the New England mob, his gang's main rival, in an era when bringing down the Mafia was a top national priority for the FBI.
Bulger's rap sheet started as a juvenile, and he spent three years in Alcatraz, the infamous island prison off San Francisco.
Bulger fled Boston in late 1994 after his FBI handler, John Connolly Jr., warned him he was about to be indicted. With a $2 million reward on his head, Bulger became one of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" criminals, with a place just below Osama bin Laden.
There was no love lost for Bulger on the Boston streets he once ruled.
Patricia Donahue's husband, Michael, was killed in 1982 when he offered a ride home to a man allegedly targeted for death by Bulger because he was talking to the FBI. "I'd like to open up a champagne bottle and celebrate," she told WBZ-TV on Tuesday.
Tom Duffy, a retired state police detective who searched for Bulger and was a consultant on "The Departed," called word of Bulger's death "celebratory news."
When the extent of his crimes and the FBI's role in overlooking them became public in the late 1990s, Bulger became a source of embarrassment for the FBI. During the years he was a fugitive, the FBI battled a public perception that it had not tried very hard to find him.
After more than 16 years on the run, Bulger was captured at age 81 in Santa Monica, California, where he had been living in a rent-controlled apartment near the beach with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig.
In 2013, he was convicted in the slayings, as well as extortion, and money-laundering after a sensational racketeering trial that included graphic testimony from three former Bulger cohorts: a hit man, a protege and a partner. He was sentenced nearly five years ago to two consecutive life sentences plus five years.
Bulger had just been moved to USP Hazelton, a high-security prison with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. He had been in a prison in Florida before a stopover at a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. Federal Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney had declined to comment on why he was being moved.
A lawyer who represented Bulger blamed the gangster's death on decisions made by the Bureau of Prisons.
"He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty," attorney J.W. Carney Jr. said in a statement.
Bulger, nicknamed "Whitey" for his bright platinum hair, grew up in a gritty South Boston housing project and became known as one of the most ruthless gangsters in Boston. His younger brother, William Bulger, became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, leading the state Senate for 17 years.
In working-class "Southie," Bulger was known for helping old ladies across the street and giving turkey dinners to his neighbours at Thanksgiving. He had a kind of Robin Hood-like image among some locals, but authorities said he would put a bullet in the brain of anyone who he even suspected of double-crossing him.
"You could go back in the annals of criminal history and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone as diabolical as Bulger," said Duffy.
"Killing people was his first option. They don't get any colder than him," Duffy said after Bulger was finally captured in June 2011.
Bulger was accused of strangling Debra Davis, the 26-year-old girlfriend of his partner, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, and Deborah Hussey, also 26, the daughter of Flemmi's common-law wife. In both cases, Bulger insisted on pulling out the women's teeth so they would be difficult to identify, Flemmi testified.
During a search of his Santa Monica apartment, agents found over $800,000 in cash and more than 30 guns, many hidden in holes in the walls. A property manager at the building said Bulger and Greig, who used the names Charles and Carol Gasko, had lived there for 15 years and always paid the rent-controlled rate of $1,145 a month in cash.
They were caught days after the FBI began a new publicity campaign focusing on Greig. The daytime TV announcements showed photos of Greig and noted that she was known to frequent beauty salons and have her teeth cleaned once a month.
A woman from Iceland who knew Bulger and Greig in Santa Monica saw a report on CNN about the latest publicity campaign and called in the tip that led agents to them. The Boston Globe identified the tipster as a former Miss Iceland, a former actress who starred in Noxzema shaving cream commercials in the 1970s.
Greig is still serving her sentence at a federal prison in Minnesota.
Bulger, a physical fitness buff, had been taken to a Boston hospital from his jail cell at least three times, complaining of chest pains, since being brought back to Boston to stand trial.
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Former ambassador to Libya George Cassar passes away
Former ambassador to Libya George Cassar has passed away, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion said.
Cassar was 69.
Dr Cassar joined the Foreign Service in 2009 and served for a number of years in Malta's diplomatic missions abroad in the capacity of ambassador accredited to Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the African Union.
Dr Cassar was instrumental in the evacuation process of Maltese nationals and other expatriates from Libya at the height of the Libyan crises of 2011. He also headed the Maltese delegation in the then inter-governmental Malta-Libya Joint Commission.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to Cassar's family.
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Budget for culture sector increased by 18% for total of €82 million
The budgetary allocation for the culture sector in 2019 is being increased by 18% for a total of €82.2 million, Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici told Parliament on Wednesday morning.
Bonnici said this was a clear sign that this economic niche is growing steadily.
The minister noted that the budget allocated for Festivals Malta will be increasing by 61%, bringing the total allocation to €2.4 million.
There will also be a 50% increase for Arts Council Malta initiatives, which translates into €4.6 million. The council's funding programme is being increased by 11%, for a total of €2.4 million.
€20.5 million are being allocated for Public Cultural Organisations, an increase of 17% from last year.
Another €170,000 are being allocated for fireworks factories, allowing them to make improvements in health and safety standards.
Bonnici said 2018 was a "memorable" year for the culture sector. "We saw the first Premju għall-Arti edition, a prestigious prize which recognises our artists excellent work, and on another occasion, 8 young artists have benefited from a new fund - the Young Talend Fund.
The Band Club fund was launched for the second time round, whilst 27 Firework Factories who work on a voluntary basis have benefited from a fund which will help them increase and strengthen their work safety.
Just last week, we announced that through a €1,000,000 project, 250 public sector employees will benefit from training to increase efficiency and professionalisation within the culture sector," the minister said.
During his speech, he also referred to the establishment of an Agency, which will carry on Valletta 2018's cultural legacy.
He stated that the National Culture Policy will be launched by the end of 2019.
Bonnici said a total of 29 restoration projects were completed in Valletta, whilst other numerous restoration projects were undertaken within our localities.
He also mentioned a €300,000 investment to establish an Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit.
He also mentioned the budget scheme which will see students, and up to two adults visit all Heritage Malta sites for free. Bonnici said there were more than 1.2 million visits at Heritage Malta sites last year.
Turning to the justice sector, Bonnici said the government had introduced several reforms, all of which were "a step forward in strengthening our rule of law and democracy."
These included the barring of prescription on crimes of corruption by politicians, the new media and defamation law, the strengthening of the Commission of the Administration of Justice and the setting up of the Asset Recovery Bureau.
Next year's principal reforms include the mediation system for the Rent Regulation Board, the improvement of accessibility to Court services so that more services are available online, investing in Legal Aid and the Notarial Archives digitisation launch.
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Anger management, restraining order and suspended sentence for domestic violence
The man was charged with causing slight bodily harm to him wife, and insulting and threatening her
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Man given suspended sentence and ordered to undergo anger management over domestic violence charges
A man has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to undergo anger management treatment after being arraigned in court on domestic violence charges.
Inspector Clayton Camilleri arraigned the Serbian man before magistrate Josette Demicoli this morning, charging him with slight bodily harm, insulting and threatening his wife. The court was requested to issue a protection order in favour of the woman.
The accused had initially appeared without a lawyer, but the court appointed one for him when it became clear that he was not understanding the proceedings against him.
It told the man that he had the right to remain silent and explained that the charges carried with them a term of imprisonment.
The accused, 38, from St. Paul's Bay, a cleaning company worker, stood solemnly in the dock.
Lawyer Martin Fenech, appointed as legal aid to the accused, entered a guilty plea. The accused had a good relationship with his wife and this as a one-off, minor incident, he said. "It was not a vicious incident. I ask the court to take this into account when handing down punishment."
After deliberating for a several minutes, the court gave sentence. The man was sentenced to 2 years in prison, this punishment being suspended for 3 years. He was also placed on a treatment order for 3 years to tackle anger management and any other psychological issues he may have. He was also placed under a restraining order for 3 years.
"It is important that you follow the help you are being given, not only because you'll be reported but for your own good," Magistrate Demicoli said.
"You cannot contact your wife as things stand. Breaching this order would be a crime in itself. I know you have a child - now you have a lawyer and to contact your child you must first speak to your lawyer. I know you are sorry for what has happened but this cannot repeat itself," the court said.
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The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue exhibition hosts interfaith consultation meeting
A traditional majlis that forms the centrepiece of the cross-cultural touring exhibition 'The Majlis-Cultures in Dialogue' hosted the United in Dialogue, Interfaith Consultation session,an important interfaith dialogue meeting featuring 12 religious groupings, at the Palace in Valletta.
Opening the meeting,President Marie-Louise Colerio Preca said the interfaith meeting - held as a consultation session for the Malta Interfaith Harmony Declaration to be signed in February 2019 - provided an opportunity for different faiths to make a statement from the heart of the Mediterranean that "all religions are rooted in respect, peace and love".
The Imam from the Paola Mosque said the biggest challenges facing interfaith dialogue and interfaith friendship originated from misconceptions regarding Islam, as well as among Muslims themselves, and that it was the responsibility of leaders of faith groups to explain the realities and true teachings of their respective religions.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Malta and Libya, the most senior member of the Catholic Church present at the meeting, noted that he was committed to developing excellent contacts with the Islamic community in an effort to find common ground and improve understanding.
"Even though we carry the weight of our histories, there is something deeper that brings us together. We must not be blocked by the false obstacles of the past. Secular discourses must not hinder our ability to discuss religious ideas in a respectful manner," he said.
Concurring, the representative from the Malta Muslim Council said that it was up to religious leaders to set an example of unity for young people and educate them to share the same spaces, while the Ahmadiyya representative urged religions to unite, "because unity is strength".
Based on the concept of the traditional space of learning, discussion, dialogue and sharing present in every home in the Arabian Gulf, 'The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue' exhibition opened in Valletta - currently Europe's Capital of Culture - in September. The selected artefacts are a testimony to the beauty that has resulted from centuries of intercultural dialogue and visitors are encouraged to sit in the majlis to listen to stories and exchange ideas on what they see, discover and experience in the displays.
Commenting on the holding of the interfaith dialogue session, FBQ Museum chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thanisaid: "We are honoured to host the Interfaith Consultation organised by President Marie-Louise ColerioPreca in our majlis, as this is a great opportunity for the exhibition to deliver its greater purpose of connecting people, beliefs and cultures through dialogue."
'The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue' is being organised at the initiative of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum - in collaboration with Qatar Museums, UNESCO Doha Office, the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Qatar Shell.
It has been presented for the first time in Malta under the Patronage of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and President Coleiro Preca, the Maltese National Commission for UNESCO and in partnership with Heritage Malta, BNF Bank, Refalo& Zammit Pace Advocates and Handson.
The exhibition is only the beginning of a much bigger project to connect people, beliefs and cultures by creating opportunities for respectful, yet incisive dialogues to take place.
After closing in Valletta, the exhibition will move to other European cities, including the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris,on a tour that will continue to the US until 2021.
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Attorney General indisposed for medical reasons
Attorney General Peter Grech is currently indisposed due to medical reasons, a government statement read.
Until he resumes his functions, the functions of the Attorney General will be carried out by Assistant Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg, as provided for by the Constitution of Malta, and public service regulations.
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Two Bulgarian woman see pickpocketing conviction overturned on appeal
Two Bulgarian women have seen their pickpocketing conviction overturned on appeal and sent back to the Court of Magistrates after serious defects were found in the judgment which had put them behind bars.
Judge Giovanni Grixti, presiding the court of Criminal Appeal observed that Rusanka Dimitrova Staneva and Neli Ilieva had been convicted of stealing cash and bank cards and making use of them and jailed for 18 months in May this year, the court ordering their deportation after serving their sentence.
The pair had filed appeals.
Defence lawyers Joseph Gatt and Charlon Gouder had argued that the first court had applied the law incorrectly, had commented and encouraged the authorities to deport the accused after serving their sentence and had made reference to a sentence in an attempted murder case which had nothing to do with the issue at hand.
Judge Grixti noted that the accused had admitted to the charges, but that the first court had erroneously used the wrong procedure. The court also observed that the pair had been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment without specifying whether this meant that both accused would serve 18 months or 9 months each. "Certainly a joint punishment is not valid in our system, except where indicated in the law...Section 382 of the criminal code requires, and today it is clear that the validity of the sentence hinges on this, that when our courts pass sentence on the accused, it must...give the punishment..."
By simply condemning the accused to 18 months imprisonment without specifying, the court had failed to give punishment as required by Section 382. Consequently this led to an absence of an essential formality which caused the nullity of the sentence.
In addition to this, the court noted that as the charges exceeded the ordinary competence of the Court of Magistrates, the prosecution was required to obtain the consent of the accused to continue proceedings summarily. This was also missing.
Judge Grixti said he had no other option but to declare the sentence null and revoke it, sending the acts back to the first court with the appellants being placed in the same position as when they had been arraigned under arrest before the first court.
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Court overturns pickpockets' jail sentence due to serious defects
The two pickpockets had been convicted of stealing and using cash and bank cards and jailed for 18 months, but the appeals court has revoked this, finding serious defects in the lower court's sentence
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Organic bag collection starts today
Today marks the beginning of the new waste collection regulations, and as government promised, stickers have been placed on bags which are being taken out on the wrong day.
People have already noted and posted on Facebook images of bags being taken out on the wrong day, some of which have the aforementioned stickers.
The organic (white) bag will be collected on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the black and grey/green bag collection days depend on the locality.
Environment Minister Jose Herrera had told The Malta Independent that the new waste collection regulations will not result in immediate fines, stressing that for a short period from when the law comes into force, stickers will be placed on bags brought out on the wrong day in order to better educate the public rather than fines being issued.
However, after this short adjustment period ends, fines will begin to be issued.
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Discovery of bones near Vatican embassy revives 1983 mystery
The Vatican said Tuesday that human bones were found during renovation work near its embassy to Italy, reviving talk about one of the Holy See's most enduring mysteries - the fate of the 15-year-old daughter of a Vatican employee who disappeared in 1983.
In the latest twist in a case that has bedeviled investigators for 35 years, the Vatican said Rome's chief prosecutor had been called in and forensic investigators are working to determine the age and gender of the bones as well as the date of death.
The Vatican statement didn't mention the girl, Emanuela Orlandi, but Italian media immediately linked her unsolved disappearance to the discovery of the bones. The Vatican said merely that the bones were found during work near its Rome embassy in the upscale residential neighborhood of Parioli.
Orlandi disappeared after leaving her family's Vatican City apartment to go to a music lesson in Rome. Her father was a lay employee of the Holy See.
Over the years, her case has been linked to everything from the plot to kill St. John Paul II to the financial scandal of the Vatican bank and Rome's criminal underworld.
The last major twist in the case came in 2012, when forensic police exhumed the body of a reputed mobster from the crypt of a Roman basilica in hopes of finding Orlandi's remains as well. The search turned up no link.
More recently, a leading Italian investigative journalist caused a sensation when he published a five-page document last year that had been stolen from a locked Vatican cabinet that suggested the Holy See had been involved in Orlandi's disappearance. The Vatican immediately branded the document a fake, though it never explained what it was doing in the Vatican cabinet.
The document was purportedly written by a cardinal and listed supposed expenses used for Orlandi's upkeep after she disappeared.
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'Level of justice in Malta personified in people appointed to remove journalist’s memorial' – PD MP
The level of justice in Malta is personified in how people were appointed by the Justice Minister to remove the memorial of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, PD MP Marlene Farrugia said in Parliament on Wednesday.
Speaking during a discussion on the estimates for the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, which is headed by Minister Owen Bonnici, Farrugia said that in every sector of justice - be it social, environmental or in other forms - Malta registers a "total failure".
She said that she could not fail to mention the tragedy that was the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia which, she said, had occurred in the political climate that the government itself had created.
Since then, she said, other journalists had been killed in other countries and their killers had been found. In Malta however, when people want to express that the mastermind of this killing was still loose and want to call for justice, they find people appointed by the Minister himself to remove the memory that they want to create.
Farrugia was referred to the continuous removal of the makeshift memorial that had been created in memory of Daphne Caruana Galizia in front of the Great Siege Monument in Valletta.
Turning her eyes onto the local councils, which was another subject for the morning's sitting, Farrugia said that the government simply did not want local councils to be used for and by the people, even though they themselves were the closest organ to the country's people. Going about this was simple for the government, she said; they just cut the funding for it.
On culture, Farrugia said that the government was on an assault against Malta's culture and was allowing the country's memory to be destroyed in front of the eyes of the people.
She said that Labour governments have always started with good intentions, and been built on the cries for more power to the people; but as years go by, she said, they have gotten "drunk on power", and centralised that power so that it is in the hands of the few people "on this inside, or the few people behind those on the inside".
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Man shot in argument left seriously injured
A man was seriously injured, having been shot during an argument, the police said in a statement.
At 6.30am this morning, the police were informed that their assistance was needed at the Mosta Health Centre.
The police were told that an argument broke out in Dingli between two men. A 43-year-old man from Dingli suffered serious injuries, allegedly from a gun shot.
A 53-year-old Dingli man is being held for further investigation.
Investigations ongoing.
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Argument leaves man shot, seriously injured
A man is being held under arrest in connection with the case
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World class radio broadcasters congregate in Valletta
World famous radio stations and broadcasters have united in Piazza D'Armi , Fort St Elmo, in Valleta for the annual International Radio Festival, where over 100 million listeners will be reached worldwide from the 29th-4th of November during the weeklong festival.
The global event, is now in its 9th year and features the first and only global conference to discuss and illustrate the business, production and creation of the world's most popular medium- audio and radio content. The conference will be held tomorrow at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
Renowned speakers from the industry shall debate in "The Audio Conference". Key speakers throughout the day will include BBC Research and Development Executive Producer Nicky Birch, as well as local manager Andrew Zammit from 89.7 Bay Radio. The conference will also see Cliff Fluet discuss the topic of Blockchain in Audio. Martyn Ware, founder of The Human League and Heaven 17, with a 40 year career as a leading record producer will be discussing his work past and present, including designing and composing ground breaking 3D sound scapes.
Throughout the week over 30 international radio stations will be broadcasting live from Malta via the International Radio Festival DAB+ channel. Local radio stations Bay Radio, Vibe FM, XFM and Magic Malta will also be broadcasting live from the International Radio Festival alongside many internationally renowned networks such as: BBC Radio 1 (UK), Raid Radio 3 (Italy), Kasheme (Zurich), Le Mouv (France), Ibiza Sonica (Spain) Pride Radio (U.S), Love Radio (China), Kiss FM (Australia), Red FM, (India) and many more
IRF Festival Director Darryl von Däniken says: "We are delighted to have been invited by the Government of Malta to partner with them to celebrate Valletta, the European Capital of Culture 2018. Together we will demonstrate the power that audio delivers in the overall media mix."
"Radio broadcasting kick-started the global media industry, setting international media standards, strategies and sales approach still being used today. While the power of music and voice was drastically underestimated at the beginning of the internet revolution, today's ever-growing earphone generation confirms the power of audio."
"The IRF sits at the heart of this development as a meeting of minds, and a place for knowledge sharing, networking, and forming both analogue and digital audio strategies for the future, not just for broadcasters, but also for the music and advertising industry."
The event is supported by the Malta Tourism Association; you can find out more about all of the radio stations and shows here www.internationalradiofestival.com
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Adrian Delia confirms marital problems
Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia says his family is passing through 'a difficult period' and asks for privacy to be respected
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TMID Editorial: After Simon Schembri, Liam Debono should be given a chance to speak
Much has been said about a magistrate's gag order last week that prevented the Xarabank television programme from airing an interview with the person currently facing charges over the attempted murder of a police officer.
There is absolutely nothing about this case that gives anyone any sense of solace and, in fact, the grisly details of the incident and the horrific injuries sustained by the officer, on the contrary, could lead many to question their faith in humanity.
The fact of the matter is that the youngster, Liam Debono, accused of running down PC Simon Schembri, has already been all but hung, drawn and quartered by the court of public opinion.
But the other fact of the matter is that this young man, whatever one may think of him or the circumstances of the crime committed that day, deserves a fair day in court, and he deserves to be considered innocent until proven guilty.
That basic presumption of innocence is one of the underpinnings of the legal system and that right must be afforded to all and sundry, and Debono is no exception to that rule.
The only problem is that the way things seem to be panning out for that young man, he appears to be guilty until proven guilty. And the magistrate who gagged the media from airing an interview with him last Friday may very well have now become complicit to that.
We find it difficult to understand just how the magistrate applied the gag order on the television programme, preventing it from broadcasting an interview with Debono without even summoning the interviewer to testify about the interview he conducted and the conditions under which it was conducted.
Even worse, we find it difficult to fathom just how the magistrate reached the conclusion he did without even watching the interview to determine what was said and how it could impinge on a case that, in all likelihood, will wind up before a trial by jury of his peers.
So the magistrate decided on an issue such as this, which could also effectively open a huge cans of worms for the media as far as the unwritten sub judice rule is concerned.
He did so without even speaking to the journalist involved and without even previewing the interview that he gagged, which we are certain would have been made readily available by the show's producers.
Quite apart from the repercussions on the free press, an issue of great concern for us here at The Malta Independent, there is the issue of the gross imbalance that the magistrate has created with the gag order.
Since the horrible incident, the youngster has virtually become public enemy number one, a household name while the victim, too, has also become a household name after all that he has gone through and suffered in the line of duty.
The victim and the accused are two very different stories, of course, but natural justice demands that they are treated in equal measure and in equal stead.
And that is where the problem lies. PC Schembri has, as is his perfect right, given interviews, has spearheaded the institution of an association for policemen injured in the line of duty as he was, and he has led a protest against the ill treatment of police officers.
And in so doing he has been perfectly within his rights, and then some.
But what about Debono? Should he, too, not be allowed to speak about himself, and the trials and tribulations of his life? Should he too not be allowed to tell his story? Should a potential jury of his peers not also be clued in on what kind of person he is, to tell his story as a human being and not as the monster that he is portrayed as being?
And if this interview that has been banned were to somehow compensate for the way in which this young man has been demonised, even by his own mother in another television interview, it absolutely needs to be broadcast.
We utterly condemn what happened to PC Schembri, but everyone - everyone, whoever they are - is entitled to as fair a trial as they can be given. In this instance, we have to say that the courts have fallen short of the mark.
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Adrian Delia asks for privacy as family passes through ‘difficult period’
The Leader of the Opposition, Adrian Delia, has asked for privacy during a difficult moment for his family.
He was replying to online reports that his wife has requested a separation.
In a statement Delia said "My wife Nickie and I are passing through a difficult period. I will keep doing my utmost to protect the wellbeing of our family and our children and to this end I humbly ask for our family's privacy to be respected, at this delicate moment more than ever."
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Contractor cleared of slander in FTS allegation of €30,000 bribe
Contractor John Vella had informed the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools that an Education Ministry official had asked for a €30,000 backhander to issue pending payments for works Vella had carried out at Gozo Sixth Form
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PA approves planning permission for the creation, embellishment and upgrading of four open spaces
Today, more than ever before, residents demand that recreational open spaces not only become more accessible and child-friendly, but become spaces with a greater emphasis on health, exercise and well-being, the Planning Authority has said in a statement.
"In the wake of this growing demand, the Planning Commission recently approved planning permission for the creation, embellishment and upgrading of four open spaces in the localities of Siġġiewi, Naxxar, Dingli and Ħamrun," the PA said.
In Siggiewi, the project will consist in the rehabilitation of the Ghar Lapsi Park. "Works will include the creation of a ball-games area on the upper terrace together with a new playing field which will be paved with rubberized safety flooring. The existing picnic area will be relocated while various trees and shrubs will be planted. The project will also include the setting up of a marble art installation. A full cut off lighting system will be installed which will minimise light pollution and glare in the area. The Park enjoys stunning views of the natural beauty of the Ghar Lapsi area."
In the urban area of Naxxar, planning permission was granted for the creation of a new public open space. "The project will include the installation of an outdoor gym, street furniture and other outdoor facilities which will be accessible for all. The space will also be embellished with landscaping works. This project will positively improve the surrounding residential area with a space which promotes physical exercise," the PA said.
Planning permission has also been granted for the construction of a new garden incorporating an outdoor gym and car park in the locality of Ħad-Dingli. "The recreational open space will be built on a 2000m2 site which is adjacent to the Dingli Swallow's football pitch. Hard as well as soft landscaping will be used to embellish the area. An underground reservoir will be dug up for irrigation purposes."
In Ħamrun, along Triq il-Frangiskani, a new pedestrian piazza and landscaped area will be constructed while the adjacent road and parking area will be upgraded and embellished. Street furniture and planters will enhance the piazza, turning the residential area into an active social urban space, the PA said
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MFSA liaising with institutions to rectify Satabank ineligibility
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is liaising with the main domestic credit institutions to rectify the situation at the earliest, a spokesperson for the MFSA informed this newsroom yesterday.
Sources close to the MFSA recently told this newsroom that the companies are insisting with the MFSA that since other local banks do not accept iGaming companies as clients, a replacement for Satabank's services was essential in order for them to continue operating.
But the MFSA had told Satabank customers that, "If they not have an alternative account (with a credit or payment institution) in an EU/EEA jurisdiction, they are encouraged to set one up as soon as possible".
In light of the situations The Malta Independent asked the MFSA what they are doing to safeguard foreign investments in Malta; and who clients are to contact with their issues, as this newsroom is being informed that clients queries are being directed from entity to entity without receiving any answers.
The MFSA also stated that it has recently carried out a mystery shopping at a number of branches of the main domestic credit institutions. This, amongst other things, was done to "bring clarity on the right of access to a payment account with basic features for consumers who are legally resident in Malta or another Member State of the European Economic Area.
"The MFSA is currently following up to verify the remedial action being taken by the respective credit institutions to address the shortcomings identified by the MGSA during the mystery shopping exercise."
With regards to clients communicating with the appropriate persons, the MFSA reiterated that as detailed in a Public Notice issued on Thursday 25th October, "the Authority has directed the Competent Person, EY to initiate a controlled process for the return of customer deposits over a period of time".
They also wished to inform the public that if they want to keep updated by the Competent Person, they can do so through the Bank's website and via any other means as the Competent Person may deem appropriate.
"All queries are being answered at source between the MFSA or EY on behalf of Satabank."
iGaming companies losing clients is of concern considering the importance of the sector to the Maltese economy. According to recent figures, the iGaming sector contributes €1.2 billion to the Maltese economy, equivalent to 12 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.
The Ernest & Young (EY) auditing firm earlier this month was appointed by the MFSA as the competent body to advise and monitor Satabank in the proper conduct of business. This measure was taken after a joint inspection by MFSA and the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit found a number of shortcomings in the bank's anti-money laundering procedures.
iGaming clients who spoke to this newsroom said that after this incident they fear their businesses are on the verge of closing down since they can't access or move their funds, or manage their own assets.
In a previous statement, Satabank said that the MFSA had "initiated a controlled process for the return of Satabank customer deposits over a period of time", and that "there remains no access for customers to submit transactions, make withdrawals or close accounts.
"Further details of the process will be made available as they are finalised by the authorities. Where customers have an account with a credit or payment institution in an EU/EEA jurisdiction Satabank would advise that they transfer their banking arrangements to this institution. Where customers do not have an account with such a jurisdiction the bank encourages them to open one in the same name as their existing account at Satabank.
"Satabank customers now have read only access to view their online account balances."
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‘Treats for the boys and tricks for the people,’ – PN says about the budget
The PN, in reaction to the Prime Minister's speech regarding the budget yesterday, said that Malta still remained without a plan.
The PN said that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is cut off from the reality families are facing. "Joseph Muscat criticised Opposition Leader Adrian Delia because Delia is the voice of the people, the PN said.
Joseph Muscat confirmed that this budget will not solve the very problems they created through the negative effects of the economy which is growing by population and not production. This economic model, the PN said, is leaving negative effects on rent prices, on property, on traffic, on infrastructure and on the environment among other things.
The PN also mentioned the damage to Malta's reputation regarding companies which were opened in Panama.
Using word play on Muscat's very own statement yesterday, the PN said that this is a budget with "treats for the boys and tricks for the people. Only government, and people appointed in positions of trust are benefitting from the surplus."
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‘Beggars can’t be choosers, but if we had a wiser government we’d have a much better budget’ – PD
"Beggars can't be choosers, however, if we had a wiser government we'd have a much better budget, the PD said in reaction to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's budget speech yesterday.
"In the budget measures, the government has distributed €102 million to the Maltese and Gozitan population through various schemes. This is much less than the government gave to, and saved money for, one business alone. The government gave the db Group one piece of land which is valued at €200 million for only €15 million. If the government had sold it at market value, what was given to the Maltese and Gozitan population for this year could have been doubled."
"It has also been said that ODZ land isn't going to be used to solve the problem of social housing. The government could have bought dwellings already built, or used land already owned by the government which isn't ODZ. We cannot forget that the AUM was given ODZ land."
"Our country's deficit for this year is €6.6 billion, when the government has also sold our country's assets which include our citizenship and our natural and historical heritage. Between 2013 and 2018, Malta's deficit has increased by €1.6 billion."
"What has been decreased from the deficit this year isn't even enough to pay the interest amounting to €306 million."
The PD said that it isn't how much the Government spends that matters, it is how the Government administers income. "For example, compared to other countries, Malta spends the most on education and yet, we have the highest rate of early school leavers."
"The government is saying that the cost of living hasn't gone up. The government is offering a surplus instead of a living wage and a living pension. You cannot talk about having a surplus if you still have families at risk of poverty."
"The cost of living has increased a lot more than the increase given to pensioners. Therefore, the spending power of pensions has decreased, not increased. It isn't the number of women in employment that counts. It is their hourly wage income. They leave their children in child care centres and struggle to keep up with the housework when they get back home. They are paid less than men and work double!
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Guardian of Future Generations praises white paper on rental market; calls it the first step
The Guardian of Future Generations has issued its initial reaction to the white paper regarding proposed changes to the rent laws, and while praising it, has said that the one-year mandatory minimum contract period proposed in the White Paper will not serve much.
The Guardian of Future Generations welcomed the recent publication called: 'Renting as a housing alternative,' describing it as long overdue and a positive step forward that should platform a sensible discussion on affordable alternative housing within the socio-economic realities.
"The unprecedented economic boom of recent times has brought more wealth into Malta's economy. This should not however blind us to the reality that there are still those who lag behind and the issues of these people should not be overlooked. The unleashed free market forces alone will not do the job. In prosperous times, there are still those who simply cannot afford to own a decent place where to call home. There are others who struggle with cost of living let alone in keeping up with soaring rents. The saddest reality of all is perhaps that in such difficult circumstances with the most vulnerable families it is often the well-being of the children that is also compromised."
"Malta is a nation of home-owners but it doesn't mean that the State should ignore the threats of a potential housing crisis should we ignore the signs and fail to take the necessary action now. "
The Guardian of Future Generations explains that there are various factors that could already contribute to such a crisis. "The influx of migrant workers that is so crucial for our growing economy is only one aspect of a far more complex story. Emerging trends that are practically reshaping the fabric of the Maltese family as we know it have to be looked into more profoundly: higher marriage breakdown rates are forcing more individuals to seek alternative accommodation. These persons are very often in dire financial straits."
The Guardian believes that the rents market issue should also be considered within the broader context taking into account social housing.
"The unacceptable procrastination to invest in social housing experienced over the last several years could signal that the first signs of a potential housing crisis are already there. Recent government project initiatives on social housing are certainly commendable but not enough and notwithstanding the budget measures for 2019 that should complement in a positive way. On the other hand, the White Paper proposal to explore options that could address social housing issues more effectively through sustainable public-private partnerships should be taken up as a priority. It is important that social housing projects are considered within the broader perspective of improving quality of life across localities."
"On private rental agreements, the Guardian appreciates that a policy whereby some kind of direct capping is imposed on the initial price of rents could indeed be counter-productive. It does not mean however, that subsequent rental increases on established agreements should be left entirely unregulated or allowed to happen sporadically; an adequate and fair mechanism is needed that primarily factors in the economic circumstances of genuine responsible tenants."
A new rents regulatory framework should enable the legislator to ensure that both landlords and tenants treat each other with respect, each shouldering their respective responsibilities as shall be prescribed by law, the reaction letter read. "Legal provisions should be set that expedite the resolution of disputes that arise between rental parties and penalties prescribed accordingly."
The Guardian views with interest the proposed model frameworks for Malta's rental accommodation presented in the White Paper. "Firstly, there must be enough incentives that result in an increase in the number of good quality properties placed on the rental market. However, these incentives should make it attractive for prospective landlords to make property available for lease on significantly longer lets and beyond the minimum mandatory period as prescribed by law."
"Realistically, the one-year mandatory minimum contract period proposed in the White Paper will not serve much, if at all, to alleviate the anxieties of most tenants who will still be forced to juggle between one transient 'home' and another within a relatively short timeframe. As always the most hard-hit shall be families where children are involved. A longer mandatory minimum contract period of not less than five years should be considered as long as prospective tenants reassure that they are in good faith. Notice of termination of tenancy should be issued within reasonable time prior to the expiry of the lease agreement."
"Nonetheless, a new regulatory mechanism should be flexible enough to include provisions covering leases of a shorter term than the mandatory minimum. This would enable the market to cater for a variegated demand from prospective tenants and also for changing circumstances of both landlord and tenant. Furthermore, it has to be recognised that the tenancy needs of Maltese locals are generally different from foreigners whose stay on the island may be of a less permanent nature."
"The genuine law-abiding tenant should be entitled to a more generous rent subsidy than at present. It is positive that government is already taking concrete action in that direction. Furthermore, the concern that is also voiced by the White Paper about shared tenancies is probably more than justified. The legislator should be enabled to look closely into the state of play with this kind of accommodation and ensure that all the desired standards are met."
The Guardian agrees that there should be a distinct Agency entrusted with the monitoring of the rental market in all its aspects including the registration of lease agreements. The proposed Agency should be in a position to synchronise its efforts with all other competent authorities not least with a view to curb on tax evasion, the letter read..
"The proposals set forth in the White Paper are already challenging. However the paper must surely represent only the very first step in a series of others that are needed for Malta to eventually adopt a more holistic long-term national strategy on accommodation that builds on the successes and experiences achieved so far - the vast majority are home-owners but there will always be need for a properly regulated rental market."
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Possible seabed position of crashed Lion Air jet located
A massive search effort has identified the possible seabed location of the crashed Lion Air jet, Indonesia's military chief said Wednesday, as experts carried out the grim task of identifying dozens of body parts recovered from a 15-nautical-mile-wide search area and chilling video of passengers boarding the fatal flight emerged.
The 2-month-old Boeing plane plunged into the Java Sea on Monday just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.
"This morning I've been briefed by the head of Search and Rescue Agency about the strong possibility of the location coordinates" of Flight 610, said armed forces chief Hadi Tjahjanto. "We're going to see it ourselves on location. And hopefully that is the main body of the plane that we've been looking for."
Separately, the head of the National Transportation Safety Committee, Soerjanto Tjahjono, said that search teams had detected pings believed to be from the aircraft's flight recorders, whose data is crucial to the accident investigation.
The disaster has reignited concerns about safety in Indonesia's fast-growing aviation industry, which was recently removed from European Union and U.S. blacklists, and also raised doubts about the safety of Boeing's new generation 737 MAX 8 plane.
Boeing Co. experts are expected to arrive in Indonesia on Wednesday and Lion Air has said an "intense" internal investigation is underway in addition to the probe by safety regulators.
Navy officer Haris Djoko Nugroho said the 22-meter (72-foot) long object that could be part of the fuselage is at a depth of 32 meters (105 feet). He said divers will be deployed after side-scan sonar has produced more detailed images. He said it was first located on Tuesday evening.
"There are some small objects that we found, but last night, thank God, we found a large enough object," he said.
Data from flight-tracking sites show the plane had erratic speed and altitude in the early minutes of a flight on Sunday and on its fatal flight Monday. Safety experts caution, however, that the data must be checked for accuracy against the plane's black boxes, which officials are confident will be recovered.
Several passengers on the Sunday flight from Bali to Jakarta have recounted problems that included a long-delayed takeoff for an engine check and terrifying descents in the first 10 minutes in the air.
Two interviewed on Indonesian TV recalled details such as a strange engine sound, a smell of burnt cables, and panicked passengers crying out for God to save them as the plane rapidly lost altitude. Later in the flight, a man who was either the captain or first officer walked through the plane and returned to the cockpit with what looked like a large manual.
Lion Air has said maintenance was carried out on the aircraft after the Sunday flight and a problem, which it didn't specify, was fixed.
Officials said the non-stop search effort has sent 48 body bags containing human remains to police identification experts.
Anguished family members have been providing samples for DNA tests and police say results are expected within 4-8 days.
Musyafak, the head of Said Sukanto Police Hospital, said nearly 150 samples for testing have been collected but more are still needed, especially from parents and children of victims.
Indonesian TV broadcast a smartphone video of passengers boarding Flight 610, its mundane details transformed into unsettling moments by knowledge of the tragedy that would transpire.
It showed passengers' boarding passes being checked and people walking along a concourse and then down stairs with bright red and white Lion Air jets visible on the tarmac.
At one point, the passenger who shot the video, Paul Ferdinand Ayorbaba, zooms in on the flight number on his boarding pass. A part of the video shows passengers walking up the mobile boarding stairs attached to a Lion jet.
"My husband sent that video to me via WhatsApp. It was his last contact with me, his last message to me," said Inchy Ayorbaba, interviewed at the Jakarta police hospital where she'd taken her three children for DNA tests.
The messaging app's timestamps showed the video was sent about 35 minutes before the plane took off, said Ayorbaba, who first saw the message at 6.30 a.m., some 10 minutes after the plane departed, and then went back to sleep.
Indonesia's Transport Ministry has ordered all Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes operated by Lion Air and national carrier Garuda to be inspected. Lion has ordered 50 of the jets, worth an estimated $6.2 billion, and currently operates nine.
Boeing declined to comment about potential inspections globally.
The aircraft manufacturer told airlines in a bulletin, "Boeing has no recommended operator action at this time," according to two people familiar with the matter.
Lion Air's President Edward Sirait told The Associated Press that timing of a meeting with Boeing experts is still uncertain. Daniel Putut, a Lion Air managing director, said Tuesday evening the airline hopes to meet with Boeing officials on Wednesday afternoon.
"Of course there are lots of things we will ask them, we all have question marks here, 'Why? What's the matter with this new plane,'" Putut said.
The crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board.
Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June. The U.S. lifted a decadelong ban in 2016.
Lion Air, a discount carrier, is one of Indonesia's youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people.
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Phase 1 of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy underway
Members of the Crisis Resolution Malta team will be meeting with a "series of stakeholders", starting with the police force, to work on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
On Monday a number of handwritten notes on coloured pieces of paper were attached to a one-metre-high fence on the Mosta Valley Bridge, an area notorious for individuals seeking to commit suicide. So much so that the aforementioned fence was installed on the bridge back in 2016, which succeeded in drastically reducing the number of deaths by suicide.
The handwritten notes were in both English and Maltese and had inscribed on them messages of encouragement such as 'Don't give up, everything can be fixed' and others carried the National Support line.
Crisis psychiatrist Marks Xuereb forms part of the Crisis Resolution Malta team, a 24/7 crisis group founded in 2010 made up of various experts in the field who offer services to individuals who find themselves in difficult situations.
When reached for comment by this newsroom, he explained how every initiative that helps save a life is a step in the right direction, and should be applauded and encouraged. He went on to congratulate the people behind the notes, but insisted that it is time for this to become a "coordinated effort".
"The service has to be streamlined, and put into the context of a national suicide prevention strategy.
"Tomorrow we have a meeting with various entities in the police force. Why the police? Because they are always inevitably involved in these things."
Xuereb insisted that there are many more stakeholders to meet, and they will be approaching them in due course and invite anyone who would like to be involved in the initiative to take advantage of their open-door policy.
Xuereb also made reference to the Maltese people's strong solidarity factor.
"Every weekend, with the help of the police force, Crisis Resolution Malta is saving an average of between two to five people every weekend."
Going back to the notes on the bridge, Xuereb says that the initiative tells him two things.
"It tells me that we are achieving our aim of raising awareness. To me, that is a brilliant achievement. It means we are conveying the message to the people, at grassroots level.
"Secondly, it encourages us to continue to work on something that people need. People are not only aware, but they want a national suicide prevention strategy."
A couple of months ago this newsroom had reached out to Xuereb for World Suicide Prevention Day, and he informed us that in Malta and Gozo, eight suicide spots have been identified by CRM, and a system has been suggested that is already in use outside of Malta.
The system comprises of a telephone line with an LED saying, for example, "There is hope, friend", as a last-ditch effort to catch the individual's attention. There would be a professional from the crisis centre on the other end, and whilst they're talking, motion sensitive, infra-red cameras would home in on what's going on.
At the same time, the professional would alert the Crisis Ambulance Response Vehicle, which would rush to the location of the call. In doing this, you are already de-escalating by talking to the person, whilst help is already on its way.
"We have to go from words to action. We are sick to the back of our teeth of words and awareness campaigns. They're important, but they are useless unless they are accompanied by the next step."
Crisis Resolution Malta 24/7 crisis line - 99339966
National Support line - 179
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Father of abducted child sues social services for damages
Andreas Gerdes filed the court action against Appogg to request damages after winning a custody battle against his former partner Anika De Vilera, only to have his child snatched from him anyway
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Tuesday, October 30, 2018
‘Passport rich’ shell out €3.9 million for Maltese charity
Although portrayed as a sign of altruism, charity is also employed by those acquiring passports to lay claim to a 'bond' with the island and to satisfy a residence requirement
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MATSEC invigilators played on mobile phones during exams
Three separate respondents claimed that invigilators even had an argument while candidates were sitting for an examination
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US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo call for ceasefire in Yemen
US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have both called for a swift ceasefire in Yemen.
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Denmark accuses Iran of activist murder plot
Denmark has accused Iran's intelligence agencies of planning to assassinate an Iranian activist on Danish soil.
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Delimara fuel oil probe still pending five years later
An inquiry into the quality of the fuel oil that was being used at the Delimara and Marsa power stations is still pending, five years after it was first initiated.
This information was divulged in Parliament by Minister for Energy and Water Management Joe Mizzi in response to a parliamentary question by PN MP Jason Azzopardi on whether the said inquiry into the quality of fuel oil being used at Delimara and Marsa was completed.
The Minister, in response, said that the probe was still pending, and reiterated this when Azzopardi emphasised that the inquiry had been pending for a number of years now.
In March 2016, then Energy Minister had told the PN MP in response to a similar parliamentary question that the inquiry would be concluded would be finalised in the weeks after that date.
The inquiry referred to by Azzopardi in his parliamentary question was called on 22 October 2013 by then Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi after confidential information was submitted to the government which cast doubts on the quality of oil which was being used at the Delimara and Marsa power stations.
The independent investigation is being led by Judge Emeritus Philip Sciberras, and it was reported that it would seek first seek to confirm whether the claims that oil consignments were off specifications were correct. If the claims were proven to be correct, the investigation would continue with the aim of determining who had been responsible for accepting the said oil consignment and what steps would be taken.
The inquiry was called after information was revealed through the Public Acconts Committee which showed that, in the recent past, fuel oil purchased by Enemalta Corportaion did not match the specifications as set out by tender conditions.
Back then Philip Borg, the manager of the then Enemalta Petroleum Division, had revealed that the power station's fuel sulphur content was sometimes found to be too high. This was in spite of the fact that the company was paying a premium for low-sulphur oil in order to minimise pollution.
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'A budget with no tricks, just treats' - Muscat
The Halloween allegories continue as Prime Minister Joseph Muscat delivers a reaction speech to the Opposition leader's retort to the budget, saying that the latest it was the best financial package in Malta's history
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407 buses registered for public transport; only one new bus added in 2018
At the moment there are 407 buses registered as vehicles for public transport, Transport Minister Ian Borg announced in response to a Parliamentary Question on Monday.
Asked by PD Leader Godfrey Farrugia what the total number of buses being used for public transport in Malta was at the moment, and how many new buses had been added to the fleet in 2017 and 2018, Borg answered that there were 407 busses registered in the fleet at the moment. The transport minister said that 28 new vehicles had been added to the fleet in 2017 whilst seven had been scrapped.
In 2018 meanwhile, only one new bus had been added to fleet whilst none had been scrapped.
Asked how many bus drivers were working in the public transport sector, Borg said that there was a total of 1,075 drivers working, 850 of which were employed on a full time basis whilst the rest were employed on a part time basis.
In terms of public transport, the recently announced Budget for the forthcoming year announced that free public transport schemes would be expanded to three new demographics; children between the ages of 14 to 15 years old, full time students above the age of 20, and all persons with disability.
These demographics join that of youths aged between 16 and 20 years of age, who already could take advantage of the free public transport scheme.
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A Gozitan construction contractor has been acquitted of slandering an Education Ministry official
A Gozitan construction contractor has been acquitted of slandering an Education Ministry official.
Munxar resident John Vella had informed high ranking officials of the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools that Ministry official Edward Caruana had asked for a €30,000 backhander to issue pending payments for works Vella had carried out at the Sixth Form in Gozo.
Vella was the contractor commissioned for the school building.
Caruana, a Technical Advisor at the Education Ministry would supervise the works and kept tabs on the project's progress.
Caruana denied the allegation from Vella, albeit conceding that he had been invited for a family dinner by Vella.
Called to the witness stand, Minister Evarist Bartolo had testified that when he heard the allegation he had immediately taken action. He stated that payments to Vella were stopped as the works were not carried out as agreed, something that was also confirmed by the project architect, Clint Camilleri.
The Court observed that Vella had not made the allegations in public, but had reported them to his superiors.
"What certainly emerges from the evidence is that Edward Caruana made the report on 1 September 2015 and a few days later, charges of defamation were made against Vella. It doesn't' make sense that the Commissioner of Police first issues charges against Vella and then, after thinking that maybe John Vella might have been right, issuing charges against Edward Caruana. This means that initially the Commisioner did not take Vella's grave allegations seriously.
It also noted that the article of the law he had been charged under had since been deleted.
Magistrate Ian Farrugia acquitted Vella. Dr Joe Giglio was defence counsel.
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Live: Joseph Muscat delivers his thoughts on the budget, and responds to Delia
Prime Minister Joseph Muscqat is delivering his thoughts on the budget, presented by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna on 22 October, and responds to Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil.
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German nurse says patient death charges are largely true
A former nurse accused of killing 100 patients at two hospitals in Germany over a decade ago told a court as his trial opened Tuesday that the charges against him are largely accurate.
Niels Hoegel, 41, is already serving a life sentence for murder. His trial in the northwestern city of Oldenburg began with a minute of silence for the patients.
Asked by presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann whether the charges against him are largely true, Hoegel replied "yes," news agency dpa reported. There are no formal pleas in the German legal system.
The murder charges stem from Hoegel's time at a hospital in Oldenburg between 1999 and 2002 and at another hospital in nearby Delmenhorst from 2003 to 2005. The alleged victims were aged between 34 and 96.
Hoegel was convicted in 2015 of two murders and two attempted murders. He said then that he intentionally brought about cardiac crises in some 90 patients in Delmenhorst because he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate them. He later told investigators that he also killed patients in Oldenburg.
Authorities subsequently investigated hundreds of deaths, exhuming bodies of former patients.
The Oldenburg state court is conducting the trial at a courtroom set up in a conference center, a venue chosen to accommodate a large number of co-plaintiffs and public interest in the proceedings.
Judge Buehrmann opened the proceedings by asking everyone present to stand for a minute of silence for the deceased patients.
"All of their relatives deserve that their memory be honored," independently of whether or not Hoegel had anything to do with their deaths, Buehrmann said. "We will make every effort to seek the truth."
He promised Hoegel a fair trial.
Hoegel told the court that he had a "protected" childhood, free of violence. He said his grandmother and his father, who were both nurses, had been his role models for going into the profession.
An additional conviction could affect Hoegel's possibility of parole, but there are no consecutive sentences in Germany. In general, people serving life sentences are considered for parole after 15 years.
"We have fought for four years for this trial and expect Hoegel to be convicted of another 100 killings," said Christian Marbach, a representative of the patients' relatives. "The aim is for Hoegel to stay in custody as long as possible."
The trial is scheduled to last until May.
Police have said that, if local health officials hadn't hesitated in alerting authorities, Hoegel could have been stopped earlier.
Authorities are pursuing criminal cases against former staff at the two medical facilities.
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Police arrest two suspected of dealing cocaine and herion
Two men, aged 19 and 33, were apprehended by the police on Monday
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Police arrest two after finding cocaine, heroin
The police have arrested two men after finding more than 100 grammes of cocaine and 50 grammes of heroin in their possession.
The two men are a 33-year-old from Qormi and a 19-year-old from Valletta. €7,000 was also found on their person.
Investigations are ongoing.
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Increase in relapsers in prison since 2015
There was a slight increase in the number of relapsers at the Corradino Correctional Facility since 2015, information tabled in Parliament on Monday revealed.
Asked by PN MP Ivan Bartolo how many prisoners there were at the Kordin Correctional Facility in 2015, 2016 and 2017 along with how many of these prisoners were relapsers, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia tabled figures that showed that between 2015 and 2017, there had been a general rise in the number of prisoners housed at the facility, and in the percentage of relapsers there as well.
The information tabled by Farrugia showed that there in 2015 there had been a total of 527 prisoners at the facility, with this number increasing to 575 in 2016 and then 606 in 2017.
The same information showed that there were 68 relapsers at the facility in 2015 - equating to 13% of all residents, 69 in 2016 - which equates to 12%, and 84 in 2017 - equating to 14%.
In a separate parliamentary question, Labour MP Etienne Grech asked Minister Farrugia how many prisoners at the Kordin Correctional Facility were currently under psychiatric care, and how many were being treated at the Forensic sector at Mount Carmel Hospital.
In response to this, Farrugia said that there were 161 prisoners in total under psychiatric care, and that out of these; 28 prisoners were at the Forecnsic section within Mount Carmel. The rest were under the wings of psychiatrists who visit the facility on a regular basis.
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Environmental Health Directorate issues warning
In accordance with the Food Safety Act and Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health wishes to inform the public that from information received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, the said product must not be consumed since it is potentially contaminated with Bacillus cereus.
| Name of product: | Mix 5 Cereali precotti |
| Brand | In Forma Carrefour |
| Lot number | 290220 |
| Durability date | 29/02/2020 |
| Weight | 500g |
|
| |
Since the company involved has reported that part of the consignment has reached the ultimate consumer, this directorate is issuing this notice.
For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. either via telephone number 21337333, by calling personally at its offices at Continental Business Centre, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera or via email mhi@gov.mt. The public is also being invited to access the directorate's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Environmental-Health-Directorate-Malta/145027878928626?ref=hl or our official website for similar information. https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/environmental/Pages/Home-Page.aspx
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