Reading Time: 3 minutes
Morning Briefing
‘The State did all it could,’ PM says on Yorgen Fenech bail
Prime Minister Robert Abela stated on Sunday that the State had done everything possible to ensure cases like Yorgen Fenech’s proceed to trial without delay. “Hand on heart, we couldn’t have done anything differently,” he said during a Labour Party event. Asked about Fenech being granted bail, Abela stressed the decision rested solely with the courts. He noted that the Attorney General had objected to every bail request, as acknowledged by Judge Edwina Grima, and highlighted the unprecedented €52 million guarantee pledged by Fenech’s aunt. Abela added that the government has no control over trial dates, pointing to legal objections and constitutional cases raised by the accused, as well as the AG’s efforts to secure testimony from the convicted hitmen. (The Malta Independent)
Threats against MPs shows we are doing a good job – Grech
Threats against Nationalist MPs are evidence that the Opposition is performing well, according to PN leader Bernard Grech. Speaking at a PN event in Zurrieq on Sunday morning, Grech referenced an incident in Parliament from the previous week, where PN MP Karol Aquilina claimed that Prime Minister Robert Abela invited him to “step outside.” “These types of attacks are on the rise, but we are not concerned. They show we are doing a good job. They strengthen us and reinforce our determination to be the people’s shield against the government’s corruption,” Grech said. Grech described the government as marked by delays. “They seldom deliver on their promises, and when they do, it’s always late,” he said, citing issues like a constitutional amendment to protect the environment, a law to tackle food waste, the building of a mental health facility and mother-and-child hospitals, and reforms to the justice system. (Times of Malta)
Teen boy fined after injuring police officer
A 17-year-old boy from Qrendi was fined €1,000 and admonished by the court after admitting to slightly injuring a police sergeant and officer early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. at the IKYK Hotel in Triq il-Wilġa, St Julian’s. The teenager, who appeared in court with a black eye, was charged with slightly injuring the officers, disobeying lawful police orders, and breaching the public peace. After private discussions between the prosecution and defence at the bench, the youth pleaded guilty. The court allowed him time to reconsider his plea and consult his lawyer, but he confirmed his guilty admission. (Newsbook)