Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/195525
10 News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2013 Inconclusive autopsy on body found in Mellieha FORENSIC experts are expected to carry out further tests after the autopsy on the body found at l-Ahrax, Mellieha on Friday afternoon was inconclusive. This means that the body has not yet been identified. Meanwhile, a Russian man is being held by the police in connec- tion with the investigation. The grim discovery was made yesterday afternoon after police received information that a car belonging to a missing man, Pawlu Grech, had been spotted at lAhrax tal-Mellieha. Traces of blood were also found a few metres away from the car and the body appeared to have suffered knife wounds. After hours of excavation, the police managed to pull the body, which was stuck in a crevice. The body had been covered with garbage bags. Grech went missing nine days ago when he was last seen in Bugibba. Body recovered by AFM is male THE body which was recovered on Friday by the Armed Forces of Malta from Hurd's Bank is a man, the police have confirmed. Initial autopsy tests have only confirmed that the body had been floating in the sea for around four to five weeks. However, further tests are required to establish the man's identity and race. Upon recovery, the body was miss- ing a head and limbs, and forensic tests have yet to establish whether this was the result of advanced decomposition or a murder. French diver dies in Xwejni My Ma JURGEN BALZAN IN a recent survey published by MaltaToday on Maltese identity, tenor Joseph Calleja came out on top as the island's best representative in the world, curiously followed by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and a number of Eurovision singers. A line in German poet Bertolt Brecht's play Life of Galileo goes something like "Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes," however apart from a handful of 20th century politicians, contemporary pop artists and athletes, Malta lacks a pantheon of heroes or icons who have captured the imagination of the country or who can boast o an army of followers. In truth, very few can stake this claim, and the only genuine contenders from our past which come to mind are social reformer Manwel Dimech, philosopher priest Mikiel Anton Vassalli and author Juann Mamo. MaltaToday has turned to a number of personalities who were asked to name anyone, dead or alive, whom they consider to be a Maltese icon or a hero. Here is what they said… A Frenchman, 59, has died while diving in Xwejni Bay, Gozo. The tourist was diving with others when he found himself in difficulty, the police said. The incident happened yesterday morning, at around 11.30am. An ambulance was called on site but the man was certified dead. A magisterial inquiry has been appointed. Police investigation ongoing. Xwejni Bay, Gozo Manwel Dimech Patriot and philosopher (1860-1921) and Immanuel Mifsud, author(1967- ) BY ADRIAN GRIMA EAT GR S! NEW Subscribe to the MaltaToday e-paper and save over 50% Read the MaltaToday and MaltaToday midweek at 5am on the morning of publication on your Desktop, Tablet or Smartphone Joseph Calleja represents a vibrant, cultural Malta, that is not just about sun and sea and temples squeezed in between. If I were to choose a figure from the past that I'm proud of for being Maltese, someone with character, ideals and a fascinating (if tragic) story, I would choose Manwel Dimech. I'm aware that his personality and social commitment are not appreciated by all Maltese, that some people think he was simply a criminal on an ego trip. But that, in itself, is revealing. I don't want to be represented by some figurine. From the present I would choose Immanuel Mifsud. Not because he is a writer and academic. But because he loves and respects his country in a critical way and always has something interesting to say. Because he is open to the world, to different colours and creeds and stories. He is also the winner of a European award with an outstanding book that is both very Maltese and very – dare I say it? – universal. Adrian Grima, is an author, poet, lecturer and an activist Subscribe now to benefit from our special introductory offer! With an annual subscription you will get a FREE copy of your choice between Saviour Balzan's 'Saying It As It Is' or 'GourmetToday 100 best recipes' worth over €20. Julian Manduca Environmentalist and journalist (1958 – 2005) BY MICHAEL BRIGUGLIO *Offer is on a first come first served basis and is subject to availability. *Books must be collected from the MediaToday offices Subscription options 1 edition: 3 months: 6 months: 12 months: €0.80 €15.00 MaltaToday and MaltaToday Midweek €28.00 MaltaToday and MaltaToday Midweek €50.00 + FREE BOOK *best value* Subscribe now at www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/maltatodayepaper Julian Manduca. Julian was one of the persons who I looked up to in my youth, back in the 1990s when I co-founded Moviment Graffitti. I actually got to know him some years prior, during a party at my parents' place, which would usually be attened by bohemian intellectuals and artists. Before Julian joined Malta Today to become one of the prominent critical journalists in Malta, I remember him as a charismatic left-wing environmentalist, a liberal on civil rights, and a committed activist who formed part of the alternative cultural scene. Julian spoke on many issues, especially environmental ones, ahead of his time, and we worked together in campaigns such as the Front Kontra l-Hilton and the victorious Front Kontra l-Golf Kors. It is no understatement to consider Julian to be a main influence on the 1980s and 1990s young generation of in left wing and environmental groups, beyond partisan dogma and careerism, and strongly believing that another world is possible. Michael Briguglio is a sociologist, drummer, activist and local councillor