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3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 27 AUGUST 2025 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Camilleri uploaded a photo of a roadside testing kit that was subject to market re- search. He explained that through the changes, authorities will have the power to test driv- ers for drug and alcohol con- sumption randomly, and will no longer require reasonable doubt. Camilleri said that anyone found guilty of killing oth- ers, even involuntarily, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, will no longer be eligible for suspended sen- tences. Meanwhile, the fines and penalties for those who are caught driving under the in- fluence will increase. The Home Affairs Minis- ter also said that through the changes, the prosecution will have the power to request a suspension of one's driving licence while they are subject to ongoing court cases. The planned changes to the law come after a series of al- cohol-fuelled accidents that claimed innocent lives made headlines throughout the summer. On Facebook, Prime Min- ister Robert Abela said that the measures are intended to warn those who drive reck- lessly. He added that road en- forcement "has already been improved," adding that gov- ernment will continue to push for safety on the roads through interministerial ef- forts. Authorities will have power to test drivers for drug and alcohol consumption randomly Chamber of Advocates support random roadside testing THE Chamber of Advocates has affirmed its support for the in- troduction of random roadside testing to be carried out by the police force. "Malta should bring itself in line with its European counter- parts by introducing oral fluid roadside testing and by granting the police the authority to stop and test drivers at random," the Chamber said in a statement on Tuesday. They noted that Maltese law does not currently allow oral fluid roadside testing, a method already used in several European countries. The statement follows a call by the leading consultant at Mater Dei Hospital, Jonathan Joslin, for the introduction of random test- ing after a surge in serious road accidents in recent weeks. In the first half of 2025, 17 peo- ple have died as a result of traffic accidents. Six people lost their lives in July within a matter of days, while another five died in June. The victims include six pedes- trians, five motorcyclists, five car passengers or drivers, and one cyclist. Earlier in August, a 45-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run involving underage drivers who were under the influence of al- cohol. "Random testing is the true de- terrent in decreasing injury and death on Malta's roads," Joslin wrote in a Facebook post. "Only then will Malta send the strong- est possible message: if you drive under the influence, you will be caught, and the consequences will be severe." He said that drivers must un- derstand the risk of being caught does not depend solely on the tragic aftermath of a crash. The Chamber of Advocates backed his call that random roadside testing is the only gen- uine deterrent capable of re- ducing fatalities and injuries on Maltese roads. JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Man charged with homicide in 2019 jailed for four months over bail breach ABDI Sudi Mohamed, a 27-year- old from Somalia, was arraigned in court on Tuesday for breach- ing his bail conditions. Mohamed was charged with the murder of Bakry Bashir Al- nur in 2019. The second sus- pect in the murder, 23-year-old Kinaan Abdinasir Noor was al- so recently charged in court in breach of his bail conditions. They had both pleaded not guilty to the stabbing. In November 2024, he was granted bail in relation to the murder case against a €1,000 deposit and a €50,000 personal guarantee. A police constable reported that Mohamed had been spot- ted in a bar in Marsa. He was easily recognised, as he signs the bail book at the Marsa po- lice station. He cooperated with police and always signed his bail book, the inspector said. Mohamed pleaded guilty. During submissions for pun- ishment, the parties agreed on a four-month-effective im- prisonment term, which is the minimum punishment. Magistrate Joseph Gatt sen- tenced him to four months in prison and €500 was revoked from his previous bail deposit. He was warned that he needs to repay the €500 after the four- month prison term is over. Inspector Wayne Camilleri prosecuted. Legal aid lawyer Julia Micallef Stafrace assisted the man. Magistrate Joseph Gatt pre- sided over the arraignment. Corradino Correctional Facility (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)