Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538811
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 AUGUST 2025 NEWS The Presidency's Cultural Programme Expression of interest The Office of the Presidency of Malta is keen to hear from local performers interested in featuring in the first season of the Presidency's Cultural Programme, commencing in October 2025. The call is open to soloists and ensembles of up to five performers, including woodwind, strings, brass, and percussion, as well as voice, with a representative repertoire spanning from early to contemporary music. Applicants are invited to send notice of interest to be considered for the Presidency's Cultural Programme at the latest by 30 August 2025, noon. More information on president.gov.mt/presidentculturalprogramme Woman in the dock over cab holdup using scissors Court hears how woman threatened cab driver with pair of scissors before making way with his wallet and two mobile phones A court heard on Saturday how a woman held up a cab driver with a pair of scissors before stealing his phone and wallet. Yanika Cuschieri, 30, was ar- raigned before Magistrate Ra- chel Montebello charged with aggravated theft, threatening violence and breaching the conditions of a suspended sen- tence, probation decision and bail terms given in separate proceedings. The court heard how the case happened on 19 August in the afternoon at Triq Pantar in Li- ja. She threatened the victim with scissors, before fleeing with his wallet and two mobile phones. The Y-plate cab driver re- ported the incident, and po- lice quickly traced the suspect. When officers searched her, they found two phones, a wallet and cash. The driver later con- firmed she was the person who had robbed him. Police arrested Cuschieri and took her to Mater Dei Hospi- tal for treatment. She was later transferred to Mount Carmel Hospital and rearrested after the maximum period of deten- tion permitted by law expired without her being charged. Representing the accused were defence lawyers Franco Debono and Matthew Xuereb, who told the court she is strug- gling with addiction, and is seeking rehabilitation to over- come it. Bail was not requested by the lawyers, and Cuschieri was re- manded in custody. AG lawyer Neville Galea and police inspector Joseph Mallia prosecuted. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt