Cabinet ‘angered and shocked’ by frequent car bomb attacks

The government was “angered and shocked” by the recent spate of car bomb attacks and it will be discussing the matter during a meeting of the Cabinet of ministers tomorrow.

Addressing an urgent press conference at his ministry, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said he was “angered” by the situation.

Last month, another car bomb went off in Qormi Road, Marsa. Before that, a bomb planted inside a Mitubishi Pajero claimed the life of 67-year-old John Camilleri, making him the 16th target of a bomb attack since 2010. Camilleri’s attack also took place on a busy road, at the Marsa junction during rush hour.

“I am even more shocked that this morning’s explosion took place on such a busy road with thousands of drivers passing by every day. The risks are not only for the targets of these attacks but also for passers-by,” Abela said.

The minister said that the Cabinet of Ministers will be putting the issue high on its agenda as it meets tomorrow morning. They will discuss how the police’s resources could be strengthened and will be considering the possibility of making penalties harhser for persons involved in such attacks.

Organised crime endangers families’ safety – PN

In a statement, the Nationalist Party (PN) said that the latest car bombing, which left some innocent bystanders injured, confirms the extent of the danger that Maltese and Gozitan families are having to live through. “This is not a unique case, but the latest in a string of car bombings perpetrated by organised crime rings,” read the statement.

“The lack of security is the result of a government riddled with corruption and of a police force being run by commissioner who is a puppet, and who was only appointed to his position so as to not investigate Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri. How can the commissioner of police solve a car bombing if his primary objective is not the people, but to cover up for Joseph Muscat,” said the PN.

The PN added that it is useless for the police to issue a statement saying the victim was known to police, following each incident. “This does not reassure anyone, rather, it worries people even more. This is not the way in which crime should be fought. The police force needs better leadership and one that investigates criminals in our country.”