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The Malta Independent

The Malta Independent

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Prison laptop inquiry finds no evidence of criminal activity, recommends tighter security procedures

Prison laptop inquiry finds no evidence of criminal activity, recommends tighter security procedures

An internal inquiry into the unauthorised use of a laptop at the Corradino Correctional Facility has found no evidence to support allegations of criminal activity, while identifying shortcomings in operational procedures governing the use of electronic devices by inmates.The inquiry, appointed by Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield and led by retired Judge Antonio Mizzi, concluded that although no criminal conduct was established, weaknesses were found in the prison's procedures relating to the use of electronic equipment.Because the findings concern sensitive security operations at the correctional facility, the full report will not be published. The laptop was seized from the cell of Adrian Agius, one of the Tal-Maksar gang, who was jailed for life for the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop.The inquiry established that the inmate at the centre of the case had been granted permission to use a laptop in his cell in May 2024. Under existing procedures, USB ports should have been sealed and Wi-Fi connectivity disabled before the device was handed over.However, the investigation found that these security measures were breached at some stage when the seals were unlawfully removed, allowing the inmate to access the internet. A preliminary forensic examination of the laptop also revealed that it contained a considerable number of pornographic films downloaded from the internet.Among its main recommendations, the inquiry called for clearer policies governing the use of laptops by inmates, including mandatory risk assessments before permission is granted. It also recommended regular inspections of laptops and other electronic devices to ensure compliance with security conditions, as well as the introduction of a clear protocol for dealing with similar incidents.Minister Bedingfield has forwarded a copy of the report to the Police Commissioner for consideration as part of an ongoing police investigation.He thanked retired Judge Mizzi and the members of the inquiry board for their work, as well as correctional officers whose intervention led to the discovery of the unauthorised use of the laptop.Commenting on the findings, Bedingfield said the allegations of criminal activity had proved to be unfounded.Some were once again quick to jump to conclusions for partisan purposes, the minister said. Now that I have the report in hand, I will carefully evaluate its recommendations and take the necessary decisions to further strengthen procedures and security at the Corradino Correctional Facility.

4 hours ago
Malta breaks heatwave record with three consecutive days above 42°C

Malta breaks heatwave record with three consecutive days above 42°C

Malta has shattered meteorological records by registering three consecutive days with temperatures reaching 42°C or higher, fuelled by a persistent weather pattern known as an Omega Block.The current heatwave, which began on July 16, reached a peak last Saturday when temperatures hit 43.3°C, surpassing the previous July record of 42.7°C set in 1988 and 2023. The previous record for consecutive days above 42°C stood at two days, set in July 2023.The prolonged extreme heat is caused by a bulge of high pressure stretching from North Africa across the central Mediterranean, trapped between two cooler low-pressure systems. This slow-moving system has kept hot, dry conditions locked over the islands for over a week.In response to the extreme weather, health authorities issued urgent warnings, advising the public to limit sun exposure and stay hydrated. High-risk individuals, including those over 75 with chronic conditions or specific medications, have been offered access to designated cooling centres via SMS instructions.Prime Minister Robert Abela also addressed the public, apologizing for recent power cuts and pointing to the escalating impacts of climate change on rising temperatures. Relief is finally on the horizon, with temperatures forecast to ease starting Thursday.

4 hours ago
Government to compensate households and businesses affected by prolonged power cuts

Government to compensate households and businesses affected by prolonged power cuts

Households and businesses that experienced electricity outages lasting more than six hours during the ongoing heatwave will once again be eligible for compensation, the government said Wednesday.In a statement, the Energy Ministry confirmed that, as in previous exceptional circumstances, compensation will be paid to businesses and households that suffered prolonged interruptions to their electricity supply lasting more than six hours, the statement said.The payment is being granted in view of the effects of the prolonged, extreme and unprecedented heatwave, with average temperatures exceeding 40°C, the statement said.It said that the compensation mechanism, which has already been applied in previous years, is intended to provide support to those affected by prolonged interruptions to their electricity supply.Our priority has been, and remains, to restore the electricity supply in the shortest possible time. At the same time, we want to ease the difficulties people are facing during this period. We will therefore once again apply the compensation scheme that has been used in the past, while continuing with the unprecedented investment being made in the energy sector, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said.The government said the intense heatwave affecting the Maltese Islands drove electricity demand to a record 741MW on Tuesday, significantly higher than the previous record of 663MW registered in the summer of 2023.It said the exceptional demand placed sustained pressure on the distribution network.The government thanked all Enemalta employees who, despite difficult conditions and extreme temperatures, continue to work to restore the electricity supply and assist affected communities.It also thanked the public for the cooperation shown throughout the extraordinary circumstances, the statement said.

4 hours ago

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Second power cut in four hours hits law courts building

Second power cut in four hours hits law courts building

The current spate of power cuts has not spared the law courts.While an initial morning blackout was quickly resolved when backup generators kicked in, a second afternoon outage during the lunch break left the building without power after the backup system failed to start.It remains uncertain whether court proceedings in the trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech will resume as scheduled in the afternoon.During the morning, the trial was suspended for one hour midway through the session.Malta has been hit by several power cuts in the last days as a heatwave envelopes the islands. Several localities have been without power for long hours.

5 hours ago
Malta Employers urges postponement of final vote on human rights and equality bill

Malta Employers urges postponement of final vote on human rights and equality bill

The Malta Employers' Association today corresponded with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition requesting to postpone the final discussion and vote in Parliament on the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality Bill, which is set to be taken later today.The association said it is in favour of any laws that safeguard human rights and the principles of equality and non-discrimination but has serious concerns on the details in the proposed law that is being fast-tracked in Parliament before the summer recess.Malta Employers argues that the Bill is being rushed through the Parliamentary process without due time for proper consultation with the social partners at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD). It expressed full confidence that a superior law would result from proper consultation, ensuring the necessary safeguards and balances expected in legislation of this kind.The Malta Employers' Association said it regards this as a Bill of major importance that affects the fundamental rights of employees and employers and which encompasses Constitutional principles.

5 hours ago
Malta Employers, NGOs, UHM urge postponement of final vote on human rights and equality bill

Malta Employers, NGOs, UHM urge postponement of final vote on human rights and equality bill

The Malta Employers' Association said today it corresponded with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition requesting to postpone the final discussion and vote in Parliament on the National Commission for Human Rights and Equality Bill, which is set to be taken later today.The association said it is in favour of any laws that safeguard human rights and the principles of equality and non-discrimination but has serious concerns on the details in the proposed law that is being fast-tracked in Parliament before the summer recess.Malta Employers argues that the Bill is being rushed through the Parliamentary process without due time for proper consultation with the social partners at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD). It expressed full confidence that a superior law would result from proper consultation, ensuring the necessary safeguards and balances expected in legislation of this kind.The Malta Employers' Association said it regards this as a Bill of major importance that affects the fundamental rights of employees and employers and which encompasses Constitutional principles.NGOs dismayed government ignored their input on human rights lawSeveral NGOs on Wednesday added their voice to complain about how the government failed to carry out consultation before rushing through the equality rights law which is set to go for a paerliament vote later today.We are extremely disappointed that the Equality Minister's first decision was to wholly ignore human rights NGOs. The Bill to strengthen Malta's human rights regime and establish a much-needed human rights institution was rushed through Parliament, despite our requests to be given a chance to read and comment on the Bill, the NGOs said. This is a Bill of major importance for all people in Malta, with the potential of embedding human rights across all sectors of life. We have been working on this Bill's predecessors for over 10 years, bringing our expertise and experience to the table with the aim of ensuring the highest possible human rights standards.It is therefore with great surprise that we see the Equality Minister refusing to give us space to comment on the Bill. Had we been given the opportunity, we would have strongly welcomed the Bill and provided technical input on its provisions. We are truly saddened by these developments, especially since the new Act will be forced upon us and the communities we work with. This will be a lost opportunity for Malta. We also hope this will not be the Equality Minister's chosen way to engage with Malta's human right sector. We strongly urge Equality Minister Rosianne Cutajar and Parliament to postpone this afternoon's vote on the Bill in order to allow us to provide comment on the Bill's provisions, in a spirit of dialogue.The NGOs who signed the statement are:aditus foundationAfrican Media Association MaltaCheckpoint MaltaDance Beyond BordersDaphne Caruana Galizia FoundationFoundation for the Ukrainian Community of MaltaHumanists MaltaJRS MaltaMGRMMigrants CommissionMigrant Women Association MaltaMoviment GraffittiRepubblikaRichmond FoundationSOS MaltaSPARK 15.UHM also calls for public consultationUHM - Voice of the Workers on Wednesday called on Government to provide a reasonable period of public consultation on the Equality Bill before it proceeds further through Parliament. The Equality Bill is an important piece of legislation that will have significant implications for workers, employers, trade unions, public institutions and society as a whole.Legislation of this nature deserves careful consideration, meaningful dialogue and broad consensus. While UHM recognises the importance of strengthening equality and protection against discrimination, such objectives can only be achieved through a transparent and inclusive legislative process that allows all stakeholders sufficient time to examine the Bill, identify any practical implications and propose constructive improvements.The publication of the revised Bill only a short time before its parliamentary consideration does not provide adequate opportunity for social partners, civil society organisations and the public to carry out the detailed analysis that legislation of this significance requires. As one of Malta's recognised social partners, UHM believes that genuine consultation is not merely a procedural formality but an essential element of good governance.Early engagement enables concerns to be addressed before legislation reaches its final stages, resulting in stronger and more effective laws.UHM therefore urged Government to extend the consultation period and postpone the Committee Stage until stakeholders have been given a fair opportunity to present their views and recommendations. Such an approach would reinforce public confidence in the legislative process and help ensure that the final law enjoys the widest possible support. UHM reaffirmed its commitment to participating constructively in discussions and to contributing proposals that safeguard equality, protect fundamental rights and promote legal certainty for workers and employers al

5 hours ago
Chamber of Pharmacists highlights ‘paradox of equality and discrimination’

Chamber of Pharmacists highlights ‘paradox of equality and discrimination’

It is ironic that legislation intended to eliminate discrimination and promote equality should itself discriminate against healthcare professionals, the Chamber of Pharmacists said Wednesday, hours before Parliament will take a vote on the said issue.Bill 3, to establish a National Commission for Human Rights and Equality, as drafted and amended, undermines the long-established right of pharmacists to practise according to science and conscience, the chamber said. For generations, pharmacists have taken an oath to uphold these principles, which are also reflected in the Code of Ethics of the Pharmacy Profession, including the right to conscientious objection.Pharmacists do not discriminate against patients. They have a professional and ethical duty to provide care to all. At the same time, they have a constitutional right to freedom of thought and conscience; and by the United Nations Charter Of Human Rights. Moreover, there are several Charters and Conventions of the Council of Europe which uphold these principles. Indeed, the PACE resolution recommends that Member States, including Malta should legislate to guarantee conscientious objection.The chamber therefore reiterated its concerns about Bill 3 and calls on the government to ensure that legislation introduced to prevent discrimination does not itself discriminate by paying lip service to robust stakeholder consultation and in turn, removing the fundamental rights of healthcare professionals.

6 hours ago
Enemalta says power restored in most areas as demand reaches record 741MW

Enemalta says power restored in most areas as demand reaches record 741MW

The intense heatwave enveloping Malta pushed demand to a record 741MW on Tuesday placing sustained stress on the distribution network as Enemalta engineers worked tirelessly to restore power to affected areas, the company said Wednesday.Enemalta crews are working to restore supply in several affected areas and remain fully deployed wherever faults are reported. By this morning, Enemalta's teams had restored power in all areas impacted. However during the morning two cable faults developed in Valletta, and engineers are carrying out the necessary repairs to restore power as quickly as possible. Enemalta Executive Chairperson Inġ. Ryan Fava acknowledged the challenging situations many people are facing and pledged that every available resource is being mobilised to restore supply as quickly and safely as possible.Enemalta recognises the serious disruption residents and businesses are experiencing and offers its sincere apologies for all those left without electricity during this intense heat. Technical teams are working throughout the day and night to repair faults, restore supply and provide alternative connections wherever possible, he said.The exceptionally high temperatures are placing sustained stress on the network and within a few hours of reaching a record demand of 713MW on Monday, it had reached 741MW by Tuesday; a substantial increase of 11 per cent over the previous record of 663MW in 2023.Ing. Fava explained that in areas where network reinforcement works have been completed, the additional connections created through these upgrades enabled technical teams to reroute supply and restore electricity more quickly, despite the record demand. However, he acknowledged that the faults experienced over recent days also demonstrated the need to continue strengthening vulnerable sections of the network, as Enemalta's multimillion investment programme in Malta's power supply continues.All available technical teams remain deployed, with additional crews on standby to respond to any further faults. More staff have also been assigned to the 24/7 Helpline 153 to assist customers and register reports. We are listening, and reacting as fast as we can. And, we want to reassure all those affected that our teams will continue working without pause to restore supply and stabilise the situation, Inġ. Fava said.

6 hours ago
Government’s lack of planning humiliates Malta internationally, even in sport, PN says

Government’s lack of planning humiliates Malta internationally, even in sport, PN says

The government's lack of vision and serious planning for Malta's infrastructure yesterday humiliated the country on the international stage, even during a European sporting competition, the Nationalist Party said Wednesday.The UEFA Conference League football match between Floriana FC and Kosovo's FC Drita, played yesterday evening at Ta' Qali, had to be temporarily suspended after the Centenary Stadium also fell victim on several occasions to the collapse of Malta's electricity supply system.Not even an international sporting event was spared from the problem that has now caused severe hardship to tens of thousands of people for almost a week. The Malta Football Association was even forced to issue a statement distancing itself from what had happened and reassuring the public that there was no fault in the stadium's floodlighting system. The problem lay with the electricity supply, which was beyond the Association's control, the PN said.The Prime Minister's apology yesterday changed absolutely nothing for families, businesses and now even Maltese sport. They do not need the Prime Minister to say sorry. They need serious investment in the electricity network so that power cuts no longer remain the norm every summer.While a generator at the stadium allowed Floriana FC's international qualifying match to somehow continue, residents in residential areas are either being forced to endure the noise of generators or, where no generator is available, to continue suffering in the heat and facing the serious consequences these power cuts are having, particularly on the most vulnerable.This is not the Malta that the Maltese and Gozitan people aspire to. A modern country cannot continue relying on generators to keep basic services running, the PN said.The statement was signed by Graham Bencini, shadow minister for sport.

7 hours ago
Government should compensate businesses affected by power cuts, PN says

Government should compensate businesses affected by power cuts, PN says

Repeated and prolonged power cuts across several localities are having serious consequences for families and businesses, particularly the self-employed and small and medium-sized enterprises, the Nationalist Party said, urging the government to compensate businesses.In recent days, we have seen businesses forced to close, lose entire hours of work, dispose of products and food, and face damage to their equipment. This has resulted in substantial losses of income and costs that cannot be recovered.The PN therefore reiterates the appeal made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament earlier this week and insists that the government must immediately introduce an automatic compensation scheme for all families and businesses that have suffered losses as a result of prolonged or repeated power cuts.This compensation should be based on clear and transparent criteria, including the duration of the power cut, damage to equipment, loss of products and stock, loss of sales, and the forced closure of businesses. The process should be simple, swift and free from unnecessary bureaucracy, the PN said.It is unacceptable for businesses that operate throughout the year, pay taxes and create jobs to be left to bear the cost of the government's lack of planning.The problems within the electricity distribution system are not new. The increase in population and energy demand was known and foreseeable. The Government had a duty to invest in time and ensure that the country's infrastructure was capable of meeting the needs of families and the economy.The government cannot boast about economic growth while failing to guarantee a basic and essential service such as a stable electricity supply. We cannot speak of a modern economy when our businesses are unable to serve customers or process payments, and entire businesses are forced to suspend their operations, the PN said.Families and businesses must no longer be made to pay the price for the Government's failure. Those who have suffered losses must be compensated fully, fairly and without delay.The statement was signed by Michael Piccinino, Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives, and Darren Carabott, Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects

8 hours ago