Morning Briefing
Lilu King granted bail again
Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty, known as Lilu King, was once again granted bail on Friday in connection with an alleged assault in Sliema last October. The 32-year-old is accused of injuring and threatening a man following a misunderstanding in Arabic. The defence claims the incident began when the victim threw beer at Elmushraty. Although bail was previously revoked in January after an appeal by the Attorney General, Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo has now released him under strict conditions. Elmushraty must stay in Malta, live at his Żebbuġ residence, observe a curfew, check in with police twice daily, and attend all court hearings. A protection order for the victim and formal supervision have also been imposed. (Times of Malta)
Gozo business Chamber laments issues with ferry services
The Gozo Business Chamber has raised concerns over mounting pressure on the Gozo-Malta ferry service, calling the situation at Ċirkewwa and Mġarr “serious” and warning that Mġarr Port is now too small for the island’s needs. It said recent delays are harming both the community and economy, criticised poor planning and investment, and called for a long-term strategy. While welcoming a proposal for land reclamation at Mġarr, it insisted Gozo deserves more focused attention. The Chamber also urged transparency on queue-skipping permits, calling for clear criteria, regular reviews by an independent board, and better monitoring of the Ċirkewwa queuing area to prevent abuse. In response, Gozo Channel said delays were due to the MV NIKOLAOS being out for maintenance and noted that union directives to delay trips by five minutes added to disruptions. It also stated that Priority Boarding procedures remain unchanged since before 2013. (The Malta Independent)
Maltese man arrested in Sicily after cocaine find
A 47-year-old Maltese man was arrested in Sicily after being caught smuggling over four kilos of pure cocaine. He was stopped during routine checks at the ferry terminal from Villa San Giovanni, where his nervous behaviour prompted a search. Police found four cocaine packages hidden under a false floor in his vehicle, along with €11,200 in cash and drug packaging materials. He was charged with drug trafficking and possession, and sent to Gazzi prison. The drugs were sent for analysis in Messina. (TVM)