Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537976
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 30 JULY 2025 NEWS Government reinstates Edward Scicluna as Central Bank governor despite ongoing criminal case EDWARD Scicluna has been reinstated as Central Bank Governor. In a statement, government stated that this came after he requested Prime Minister Robert Abela and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana. Scicluna tendered his suspension exactly one year ago after refusing to do so despite being charged in relation to the Vitals fraud scandal. At the time, government said that Scicluna's suspension was "in the national interest." Last year, Scicluna was charged with al- leged dereliction of his duty as minister on suspicion of having enabled what eventually turned out to be a fraudulent privatisation of three state hospitals. On Tuesday, government stated that Ab- ela consulted with the European Central Bank, and that this body raised no objection to his reinstatement. "This morning, Prime Minister Abela updated the Cabinet of Ministers on these developments. Professor Edward Scicluna's request was accepted favourably," the state- ment reads. Cabinet also thanked Deputy Governor Alexander Demarco for serving as acting governor since last July. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Edward Scicluna tendered his suspension exactly one year ago after refusing to do so despite being charged in relation to the Vitals fraud scandal. At the time, government said that Scicluna's suspension was 'in the national interest' Edward Scicluna Conditional discharge after man pleads guilty to slightly injuring partner A 31-year-old man was handed a con- ditional discharge after pleading guilty to slightly injuring and threatening his partner. The Indian national, who works as a barista, confirmed his admission after being given the opportunity to recon- sider his plea with his lawyer. The court heard submissions vis-à- vis the appropriate punishment to be meted out. In particular, the prose- cution noted that the defendant, who until today had a clean criminal re- cord, fully cooperated with the police. It was considered that an effective imprisonment term would not be ap- propriate, and the man was handed a three-year conditional discharge. Inspector Colin Sheldon prosecut- ed. Legal aid lawyer Nadya Fiott assist- ed the accused. Woman released on bail after being charged over St Patrick's Day fight A 23-year-old woman was granted bail after pleading not guilty to grievous bodily harm and the improper use of electronic commu- nications. According to sources, the case dates back to St Patrick's Day and concerns a fight be- tween two young women, one of whom has already been handed a probation order. The woman, a law student, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the validity of the arrest was not contested. Bail was requested. The prosecution stat- ed that it would not contest said request so long as adequate conditions are imposed, and this in view of the passage of time be- tween the incident and arraignment. It was also stated that the involved parties are now friends. Defence lawyer Franco Debono stated his client was merely defending herself and that the conditions should reflect the circum- stances of the case. Bail was granted. AG lawyer Clive Aquilina and Inspectors Jonathan Cassar and Nico Zarb prosecuted. The defendant was assisted by defence lawyers Franco Debono, Adreana Zammit and Marion Camilleri. St Patrick's Day in Paceville (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)