Indymedia Malta

The environment NGOs Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien għal-Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth (Malta), Gaia, Light Pollution Awareness Group, Nature Trust Malta and Ramblers Association of Malta welcome the decision taken by government to amend the DPA regulations and give a stronger voice to civil society in such issues. This falls in line with the Aarhus Convention and the promise of Government to give the public greater access to environmental information as well as the right of every citizen to voice his and her concern on issues affecting each one of us.

Ir-Realta' Journalist Collective has announced the publication of the 5th issue of its unbiased and controversial newspaper Ir-Realta'. The newspaper was involved in several problems such as threats and a libel case and thus it stopped being published, but due to the group's drastic internal reforms, it has succeeded to again start publishing the newspaper. Anybody who desires to contact the collective or get a copy of the issue can send an email to realta[@]inventati.org (ignore square brackets).

Environment NGOs Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) and Ramblers Association of Malta (RAM) protest strongly against further encroachment on the public right and ownership of the foreshore. This time the threat emanates from the building application submitted by Otters ASC of Marsalforn, Gozo.

Development in Marsascala has been going on rapidly and has claimed many areas of the natural environment. It seems that development projects will not decrease as ongoing suggestions for investment are not in short. Several politicians have claimed they are in favour of the erection of a new yacht marina in Marsacala and the mayor has claimed to be favourable but until now nobody has located a place for the idea.

Yesterday the Anti-Circus Coalition organised a protest in front of Circo Aquatico to protest against animal use in the entertaining shows of the circus. The coalition stated that the use of animals in circus shows is considered as maltreatment as animals are forced to do things which aren't usual to their natural habits. They are kept in cages and they suffer miserable conditions in containers when they are transported from one country to another.

Several organisations have came up together to create a nation-wide campaign in favour of animal rights and against the forthcoming circus: Circo Aquatico. The Circus Animal Rights Coalition stated that:

''is hereby expressing its deep disappointment and concern that Circo Aquatico, which circus exploits aquatic animals will be coming to perform in Malta in the coming months.

Apart from being a contender for the most misspelt word since rhythm, Peklectrick, is also the name of the solo project of former dripht guitarist and founder member Patrick. Peklectrick's music is an eclectic soup of different genres with heavy doses of reggae & rock, complimented by some blues and funk. The music is served with socially conscious lyrics, a punk rock ethos and a tongue firmly in cheek.

Event @ white arrow (near University)

Line Up :

MAC, Danjeli (live),Re-volt,Zada

Art Exhibition by Denise Schicluna

price: Lm 1.50 (3.49 euros)

A report published by Fortress Europe includes a testimonial by an
immigrant who was handed over to the Libyan police by the AFM.

COLLECTIVE REFOULEMENTS AT SEA

Tareke, Erithrea

"We embarked in Zuwarah in July 2005. There were 264 of us, on an old ship, at night. After ten hours at sea, the engine broke down. We spent five days in the sea, in a damaged ship. Then, a military ship bearing a Maltese flag rescued us at around 17:00. There were women and children on board as well. A few hours later, a red boat bearing an Italian flag approached, they took some photographs and then left. The Maltese hooked and towed us and changed direction, southwards. Until a ship bearing a
Libyan flag reached us. The Maltese went back, and the Libyans towed us to the nearest harbour, where

Even though there are about 1000 empty dwellings in Birzebbugia,
developers still insist to invest in residential property. A new
development proposal is on Tal-Papa Farm of Birzebbugia which hosts
150 trees and usues traditional methods of farming. If this farm is
destroyed another part of Maltese culture will be lost.