by Dorian Cassar,

TAL-QROQQ, Malta (di-ve news) -- November 06, 2006 --

Two huts close to the Pharmacy Department at the University of Malta caught fire following an alleged arson attack. The strong flames also destroyed the laboratory stores.

The huts stocked piles of paper and cartons. Luckily, flammable chemicals in the nearby blocks remained untouched.

Speaking to www.di-ve.com, Civil Protection Director Peter Cordina said that fire fighters managed to control the flames before they reached the laboratories at the Department, which could have led to a number of explosions.

He also confirmed that no injuries were reported. The police are investigating.

07.11.06

by Paul Cachia, VALLETTA, Malta (di-ve news)--November 07, 2006

A 31-year-old prisioner from Cospicua, who is already serving time in connection with another murder, was charged in court on Tuesday with the murder of Italian national Vittorio Cassone in Birkirkara Road, St. Julians, nearly 14 years ago.

Melchior Spiteri was accused that on evening of January 13, 1993, he shot at Cassone, 48, who worked at the Chef Italy Castronomia and killed him.

Spiteri walked into the shop, where a woman was shopping at the time, and snatched her handbag. He then walked over to Mr Cassone, who was behind the counter, and demanded money from the cash register.

Apparently, Mr Cassone panicked as he handed the thief some Lm150 and the robber shot him in the chest in front of other employees who included relatives.

The aggressor was wearing tights over his head. The police had arrested several suspects soon after the murder but the case remained unsolved. Meanwhile, Spiteri was also charged with possession of a weapon while committing a crime against the person, and holding the victim against her will.

He pleaded not guilty. Dr Franco Debono assisted the accused

07.11.06

by Chris Galea,

BIRKIRKARA, Malta (di-ve news) -- November 07, 2006

Two men were held up by three hooded and armed thieves while they were driving in the Birkirkara Bypass on their way home on Tuesday morning at around 0645CET.

From preliminary investigations conducted by the police, it resulted that the two men, aged 34 and 71, both from San Gwann, were driving their vehicle on their way home when another vehicle crossed their path and blocked their progress.

Three thieves came out of the car and asked the two men to hand over their cash. They then fled the scene in their vehicle, taking away a pouch full of money.

No one was injured in the incident. Duty Magistrate Dr.Miriam Hayman was informed about the case and appointed various experts to aid in the enquiry. Further investigations are underway.

07.11.06

by Paul Cachia,

VALLETTA, Malta (di-ve news)--November 07, 2006

The Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs said that the cleaning contract at the law courts was granted to a company close to prisoner Mario Camilleri, known as l-imniehru on the basis that the tender was awarded to the cheapest bid and according to already established procedures for public tendering.

In reply to the Labour party leader's call for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg or at least of parliamentary secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, the Ministry issued a press release to clarify a number of facts.

It said that in the adjudicating process, it never resulted that the contract was being granted to a company close to a prison inmate.

In the two months in which the contract was running, the procedure was that no cleaner could enter any chamber of court unless in the presence of the registrar.

The Ministry said that immediate action was taken over the alleged threats made to the Labour MP's as the Police Commissioner was asked to launch an inquiry.

The Ministry confirmed that a phone call was made from a fixed telephone in prison to Labour MP Anglu Farrugia and it was recorded. On the other hand, Labour Jose' Herrera received the alleged threats during a conversation with an inmate at the law courts.

07.11.06

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