Law & Order
Malta, Gozo witness 123 arson cases in 2006
By MaltaMedia News
Feb 6, 2007 - 9:11:16 PM

123 cases of arson were reported in Malta and Gozo in 2006, according to Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Tonio Borg. The Minister was replying to a Parliamentary question set forward by Member of Parliament (MP) Adrian Vassallo on Tuesday.

In Malta cases were reported in Birkirkara, Birżebbuġia, Cospicua, Fgura, Għargħur, Għaxaq, Gżira, Ħamrun, Iklin, Kalkara, Kirkop, Luqa, Marsa, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Mdina, Mellieħa, Mosta, Msida, Naxxar, Paola, Pembroke, Qormi, Qrendi, Rabat, St. Julians, San Ġwann, St. Paul’s Bay, Sta. Luċija, Sta. Venera, Siġġiewi, Valletta, Żabbar, Żebbuġ, Żejtun and Żurrieq. The Gozitan villages of Nadur, Qala,Xagħra and Zebbuġ also witnessed a number of arson cases.

Last year also saw 100 court arraignments of Maltese and Gozitan youths over various crimes. Eight of the arraignments pertained to Gozo. Some of the youths were arraigned in court more than once. The most prevalent crime among youths in both Malta was driving without a license. Twenty Maltese youths and one Gozitan youngster were arraigned in court after being caught at the wheel without a car licenses. In Malta one youngster was arraigned in court in relation to a rape case, while seven were arraigned over prostitution. A further three Maltese youths were brought to justice for seriously injuring another person, while another two were arraigned in court over arson attacks The information was given by Minister Tonio Borg in reply to a question set forward by MP Adrian Vassallo.

In turn, the Minister also revealed that 20 entertainment establishment owners have are facing legal procedures after allowing entrance to 56 persons under the age of 16. Replying to the question set forward by MP Adrian Vassallo, the Minister added that in the cases which have been decided so far, establishment owners were fined.

The Corradino Corrective Facility was also discussed during Tuesday’s Parliamentary Session, with the Minister stating that up until the 4th of February there were 382 inmates in the institution, of which 275 are serving a sentence.  Replying to the Parliamentary Question set forward by MP Carmelo Abela, the minister added that 22 of the inmates were under the age of 25, with 6 of them placed under preventative arrest.

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