LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – A total of 109 migrants rescued from the central Mediterranean are currently en route to the port of Livorno, Italy, after being saved by the German non-governmental organization Sea Watch. The Sea Watch 5 vessel first rescued 104 people from a wooden boat in distress, including 41 minors, during a rescue operation.

“The people are now being cared for on board while we sail to Livorno, Italy, which has been assigned to us as port of safety,” the NGO said in a statement. Shortly after the first rescue, the crew received a new alert regarding another boat in distress. During the search, they spotted a Libyan coastguard vessel approximately 3.5 kilometers away. Sea Watch’s rescue boats were able to intervene and save five more people. However, uncertainty remains surrounding the fate of the original boat that triggered the second alert.

According to Sea Watch, the European border agency Frontex later informed them that the individuals aboard had been rescued. “We don’t know whether that means they were rescued by the Italian coastguard or intercepted by the so-called Libyan coastguard and illegally dragged to Libya,” the NGO said, raising concerns about potential breaches of international law. Sea Watch continues to advocate for safe and legal pathways for migrants and calls for European nations to uphold humanitarian obligations in the Mediterranean.

– photo Sea Watch –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – A vessel from the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) was reportedly attacked by armed drones in international waters near Malta shortly after midnight on Friday, according to statements released by the humanitarian group. The ship, Conscience, which had recently departed Malta under media blackout, was hit at approximately 00:23 local time, sustaining significant damage to its hull and catching fire.

The FFC, a coalition of international activists opposing Israel’s blockade of Gaza, claimed the drone strike targeted the ship’s generator, leaving it powerless and at risk of sinking with 30 human rights activists on board. Video footage shared by the coalition on social media shows a fire blazing on the ship and smoke billowing into the night sky, with the sound of two loud explosions audible in the background.

In a statement, the coalition alleged the attack was carried out by an Israeli military drone and described the strike as a violation of international law. “The front of the vessel was targeted twice, resulting in a fire and a breach in the hull,” the FFC said. “This was a deliberate targeting of a civilian humanitarian aid ship”. A distress signal was reportedly sent out immediately after the attack. According to the FFC, southern Cyprus responded by dispatching a vessel, though it lacked the necessary equipment to provide power support. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome also advised that a tugboat was sent to the scene, though confirmation was difficult as the vessel’s communications had been compromised by the strike. The coalition accused Malta of failing to respond to the distress call, despite the ship being located within Malta’s designated Search and Rescue (SAR) area.

“Under international maritime law, Malta is obliged to act and ensure the safety of a civilian ship in distress within its proximity,” the group stated. However, sources close to the Maltese government disputed that claim. Transport Malta had dispatched a tugboat and that an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) patrol vessel was also present to assist in extinguishing the fire. The sources added that none of the aid workers aboard accepted the Maltese offer to come ashore. Marine tracking data showed the Conscience anchored near Hurd’s Bank, just east of Malta, an area often used for ship bunkering. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which includes volunteers from over 21 countries, was attempting to deliver aid to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s longstanding naval blockade, in place since 2007.

The coalition called on the Maltese government to fulfil its maritime obligations and demanded international condemnation of what it termed “a direct attack on a humanitarian mission”. The group also called for a global end to political, financial, and military support for Israel’s blockade of Gaza, and urged civil society to pressure Maltese embassies worldwide to act to protect those onboard.

Official statement from Maltese authorities

The Maltese government confirmed it had received a distress call at 12:20 a.m. of Friday from a vessel in distress at sea. The ship reported a fire on board and requested urgent assistance, stating there were 12 crew members and 4 civilian passengers on board. No casualties were reported. Within a minute of the alert, a firefighting-equipped tugboat located approximately one nautical mile away contacted Malta Vessel Traffic Services and immediately responded to the emergency. The tugboat reached the vessel shortly thereafter and began firefighting operations, bringing the blaze under control by 1:28 a.m. A patrol vessel from the Armed Forces of Malta was also dispatched to the scene to provide additional support. By 2:13 a.m., all crew and passengers were confirmed safe. However, they declined to be evacuated and remained on board while authorities assisted with interior firefighting operations. The situation was fully stabilized by 3:45 a.m., with the vessel and its crew declared secure. The ship continues to be monitored by Maltese authorities.

– photo Freedom Flotilla Coalition –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A witness has sensationally alleged in court that former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat paid for the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, implicating him in one of the country’s most explosive murder cases during dramatic court proceedings in Valletta.

The claim was made during the sixth day of the trial by jury of four men charged with the 2017 car bombing that killed Caruana Galizia, a prominent investigative journalist who had exposed corruption at the highest levels of government.

The witness, Nicole Brignone—a woman with a documented history of drug use and ties to criminal networks—testified that Kevin Ellul, himself allegedly involved in organized crime, told her that Muscat “paid someone” to have the bomb placed. Brignone’s testimony was originally delivered in secret in 2022 before an inquiring magistrate but was read aloud in court on Wednesday. When pressed by the defense to confirm the claims about Muscat, Brignone asked for a chair, became emotional, and confirmed the statement under oath.

Muscat, who has not been charged with any crime in connection to the murder, has repeatedly denied any involvement. He stepped down as prime minister in January 2020 amid widespread public outrage and protests sparked by the Caruana Galizia investigation. His former chief of staff, Keith Schembri, was also named by Brignone as being “involved in some way,” although she offered no further details. Brignone was testifying in the trial of Robert Agius, known as “ta’ Maksar,” and Jamie Ellul, who are accused of supplying the explosives used in the assassination.

She claimed Ellul had close ties to brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, who are already serving prison sentences for carrying out the attack. According to her testimony, Ellul was aware of the plot beforehand and declined to participate, saying, “I’m not stupid,” though he remained closely connected to the suspects. Brignone also stated that Ellul had referred to Muscat as an “iblah” (idiot) and mentioned other politicians in relation to the plot, though their names were not disclosed in open court.

She further alleged that Melvin Theuma—the self-confessed middleman in the murder who was previously granted a pardon in exchange for testimony—“knew everything” about the conspiracy. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has denounced the claim in court that he had paid someone to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia as an “obscene lie”.

“I refer to the court testimony of a former prisoner with a long history of drug use who claimed that someone told her that I had paid someone to place the car bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia. This is an obscene lie,” Muscat said. “It was the government I was in charge of that roped in experts who helped catch the people who admitted to committing the crime.”

“| was never informed about this allegation and I was never asked to testify about it.” The court proceedings continue as the high-profile case draws national and international attention, reigniting debate over Malta’s political accountability and rule of law.

– photo Net News –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A total of 607 migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean were intercepted and returned to Libya between 20 and 26 April, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The figures underscore the continuing scale of irregular migration along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.

Among those intercepted were 534 men, 76 women, and 33 children. The operations took place off the coasts of several Libyan towns, including Misrata, Alkhums, Tripoli, and Zwara. A body was also recovered off Misrata on 25 April, adding to the already grim toll of lives lost at sea.

The largest single interception occurred on 24 April, when 261 migrants—primarily men—were returned to the port of Alkhums. Two days later, another 148 people, including 20 women and five children, were brought back to Tripoli. Smaller operations earlier in the week led to additional returns in Zwara and Sabratha.

So far in 2025, at least 7,227 migrants have been intercepted and returned to Libya. The IOM has also recorded 127 deaths and 180 people missing along the route as of 26 April.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A day after the European Union’s top court declared Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme illegal, a rare opportunity for bipartisan collaboration has emerged as politicians on both sides of the aisle debate how to reform the programme without abandoning its financial benefits.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled decisively against Malta’s “golden passport” scheme, declaring that EU citizenship cannot be reduced to a commercial transaction. The ruling challenges a cornerstone of Malta’s economic policy over the past decade, and has sparked both defensiveness and introspection within the country’s political class.

In parliament, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri defended the scheme vigorously, citing its vital role in supporting Malta’s economy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in a notable shift, he called for unity: “My appeal is that, in the future, and as the government analyses the sentence and considers the next step, we be united as a single country.”

The opposition, while welcoming the court’s decision, appeared open to reform rather than full abandonment. Nationalist MP Darren Carabott criticised the government for “playing the victim,” but stopped short of calling for a total ban. Instead, he urged the government to “start discussing changes to the citizenship law,” signalling willingness to participate in shaping a new framework.

Similarly, PN MP Adrian Delia highlighted the importance of maintaining Malta’s attractiveness to investors, while stressing the need for recipients of citizenship to demonstrate a “genuine interest” in the country. His remarks suggest that the opposition envisions a revised model focused on deeper integration of applicants into Maltese society and economy.

The Labour government, for its part, defended the programme’s economic legacy. Labour MP Alex Muscat, who formerly oversaw the scheme, noted that it directly benefited Maltese families through property sales and rental income. He warned that projects funded by the scheme—such as health centres and infrastructure—could now face uncertainty. Yet, the Malta Development Association (MDA), representing property developers who profited from the scheme, issued perhaps the most pointed appeal for unity. While expressing disappointment at the ruling, the MDA called on all parties to “amend rather than abort” the programme and urged political leaders to “rise beyond partisan politics” on matters of national interest.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has signed a landmark contract with Norwegian firm Nexans AS for the manufacturing and installation of a second subsea electricity cable linking Malta to Sicily, in a major step towards strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure and climate goals.

The €300 million project, known as Interconnector 2 (IC2), will see a 245kV cable laid along a 99-kilometre route beneath the Mediterranean Sea. The new interconnector will double Malta’s current link to the European electricity grid and is co-financed by the European Union, which recognises the project as one of strategic importance.

“This is a project that will enhance our electricity distribution network,” said Energy Minister Miriam Dalli during the signing ceremony. “A project that will help us sustain other changes we have started and will continue with even more strength. We are delivering the investment this country deserves”. The IC2 project is one of six major tenders coordinated by Interconnect Malta, the national agency overseeing energy connectivity.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS) – Tunisian President Kais Saied on Tuesday strongly rebuked international condemnation of a controversial mass trial involving dozens of opposition figures, denouncing what he called “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

“The comments and statements by foreign parties are unacceptable”, Saied said in a statement posted on the presidency’s official Facebook page. “They constitute blatant interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs”.

The remarks follow sharp criticism from the United Nations, France, Germany, and other international actors after a Tunisian court earlier this month sentenced around 40 defendants—many of them prominent opposition leaders, lawyers, and businesspeople—to lengthy prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years. Charges included “conspiracy against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group”.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A new report on media freedom across the European Union has placed Malta under the spotlight, highlighting serious concerns over political interference, lack of transparency, and government hostility toward journalists.

The findings come from the 2025 Media Freedom Report released by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties), which warns that media freedom is crumbling across the EU—eroding one of the bloc’s essential defenses against authoritarianism. The annual report, compiled in collaboration with 43 human rights organisations from 21 EU member states—including Malta’s Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation—paints a troubling picture of the media landscape across Europe.

In Malta, the situation is marked by stagnation and regression, with media pluralism and independence increasingly under threat. While the report does not rank countries, existing data provides context: Malta ranked 73rd globally and second-worst among EU countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2024 Press Freedom Index.

The report criticises the direct ownership of major media outlets by Malta’s political parties, which remain exempt from impartiality regulations enforced by the Broadcasting Authority. This, combined with a lack of ownership transparency, distorts the media landscape and undermines public trust. Government advertising practices have also come under fire.

The report reveals that state advertising is disproportionately allocated to media houses that portray the government in a favourable light—including those owned by the ruling Labour Party. Furthermore, Malta’s public broadcaster is described as biased, with its editorial line shaped by government influence.

Despite the approaching August deadline for EU member states to implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), Malta has made little progress. The EMFA aims to prevent political interference, ensure editorial independence, and introduce transparency requirements—areas in which Malta is currently falling short.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has delivered a decisive blow to Malta’s controversial passport sale scheme, ruling that the programme violates EU law and undermines the principles of European citizenship. The judgment comes in response to legal action brought by the European Commission against the scheme, which was introduced by Malta’s Labour Government.

The ECJ concluded that the practice of granting Maltese — and by extension, EU — nationality in exchange for pre-determined financial contributions amounts to a “mere commercial transaction” that is incompatible with European legal standards. In its decision, the Court emphasized that Member States cannot unilaterally commodify EU citizenship, stating that such practices “undermine the mutual trust between EU Member States” and breach the principle of sincere cooperation enshrined in EU treaties.

“This ruling confirms that citizenship cannot be bought”, said a spokesperson for the European Commission. “It upholds the integrity of European values and the legal framework that binds all Member States”. The ECJ’s decision is final and binding on Malta, requiring the immediate cessation of the scheme and potentially opening the door for legal challenges from individuals who acquired citizenship through the program.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A new report from the Mixed Migration Center, affiliated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reveals a 25% decrease in the number of migrants departing from Libya to Europe during the first quarter of 2025.

Despite the drop in departures, Libya continues to see a sharp rise in the number of irregular migrants and refugees residing within its borders. According to the data, approximately 9,168 migrants arrived in Italy between January and March of this year, with 93%—around 8,500 people—departing from Libyan shores. At the same time, the number of refugees and asylum seekers inside Libya is growing steadily.

Since the start of 2025, 88,283 refugees have been registered in the country, representing a 12% increase over the last quarter of 2024. Much of this growth is driven by ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced hundreds of thousands. Since the Sudanese civil war began in April 2023, around 256,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Libya.

Sudan now tops the list of countries of origin for refugees in Libya, accounting for 29% of the total. Migrants from Niger (23%), Egypt (20%), Chad (10%), and Nigeria (4%) follow. Data from IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix shows that the total number of migrants in Libya reached approximately 824,131 by December 2024—a 17% increase from the year prior. Most migrants are concentrated in western Libya (53%), followed by the east (34%) and the south (13%).

The report also highlights a resurgence of irregular migration from eastern Libya toward Greece during the first quarter of 2025, suggesting that smugglers and migrants may be adapting to tighter surveillance and enforcement in central Mediterranean routes.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews