Morning Briefing
Man who left jeweller for dead sentenced 32 years in prison
A man who viciously attacked an elderly jeweller during a botched robbery, leaving him for dead, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison after the victim died from his injuries last month. Mohamed Anas Boualam admitted to the assault on 67-year-old Joseph Carabott, which caused severe brain damage. He had initially denied charges of grievous bodily harm and kidnap, but later changed his plea to guilty. The charges were upgraded to murder after Carabott died. The assault occurred in August 2023, when Carabott was discovered unconscious and badly injured in his Żurrieq shop. He never recovered. Co-accused Zouhair Hadoumi, 28, denies involvement and will stand trial. A third accomplice, Donna Sciberras, confessed and received a 28-year sentence. She testified that Boualam beat Carabott while Hadoumi held him down. (The Malta Independent)
38 Maltese citizens evacuated from Tripoli
38 Maltese nationals stranded in Tripoli, Libya, have been safely evacuated and returned to Malta following a coordinated operation led by Maltese authorities. The evacuation, which took place on Thursday, was the result of joint efforts by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry for Home Affairs, in collaboration with Libyan security forces and various Maltese government agencies. The operation followed renewed clashes in the Libyan capital, where heavy fighting broke out on Wednesday between rival armed groups—just a day after officials had declared the violence over. (Maltatoday)
Free mental health first aid course launched
A new government-backed mental health first aid course has been launched by the Health Ministry to help the public better support people facing mental health challenges. The free, accredited course will teach participants how to recognise signs of conditions like anxiety and depression and offer basic support until professional help is available. The course will be held at local council premises nationwide. It consists of four three-hour sessions led by mental health professionals from the Richmond Foundation, with both morning and evening options. (Times of Malta)