Press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:

The Sunday Times says the government is to sue former policemen involved in the torture of former prison warder Anthony Mifsud. The government last week paid Mifsud court-ordered compensation, including compensation due from the police officers.The newspaper also says that several Nationalist backbenchers are expected to be twinned with ministers.

The Malta Independent says Malta faces multiple risks in meeting 2020 energy targets. It also says that the UHM has opened its doors to teachers who are unhappy with the ‘politically charged' MUT.

MaltaToday says Gonzi has secured a majority for tomorrow's debate in Parliament on an opposition motion to revoke the new power tariffs. It also says Joseph Muscat is actively considering an airstrip for Gozo.

Il-Mument quotes yesterday's The Times editorial that today's energy tariffs protest is not in the national interest. It also says the government and the opposition have agreed on the nomination of ombudsmen for specific areas. They will be answerable to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

It-Torca's front page is dominated by a big heading on the front page saying that the people will make their voice heard today.

KullHadd says Malta has had the steepest increase in the utility tariffs in the EU. It says this was partly the result of major Enemalta oil purchasing mistakes. The newspaper also says the Prime Minister is 'inventing', having claimed that Louis Galea was once responsible for both education and social policy.

Illum says €3m have been raised in two-and-a-half-years from the Valletta vehicle access scheme but cars having foreign number plates are not billed.

The overseas press

El Mercurio announces that the death toll in Chile's worst earthquake in 50 years has risen to 300 and, according to President Michelle Bachelet, up to two million people have been affected by the disaster. Waves following the strong quake reached as high as 2.34 metres in the central Chilean port of Talcahuano and close to a metre in French Polynesia.

The International Herald Tribune reports that powerful winds have hit parts of Spain, Portugal and France, causing a death in each country and serious damage.

Il Tempo reports that tens of thousands of Italians have demonstrated in Rome against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, over what they said were attempts to evade justice. Berlusconi is on trial in two corruption cases. But legislation being discussed in parliament would in effect stop him going to court.

Meanwhile, Corriere della Sera reports that judges have adjourned until March 26 saying "the trial cannot be suspended for an undetermined amount of time". Berlusconi is accused of allegedly paying $US600,000 (€446,000) to British tax lawyer David Mills in exchange for false testimony during two trials in the mid-1990s.

The Mail on Sunday claims to have obtained a tape-recording made by one of Gordon Brown's closest aides that allegedly reveals the Prime Minister bullying a colleague in Downing Street.

Abrar says three men who were convicted of killing several policemen in the eastern city of Birjand, have been executed in front of the victims' families. The latest hangings bring to at least 20 the number of people executed in Iran so far in 2010.

Los Angeles Times reports hundreds of people returned to Florida's Sea World to watch killer whales perform for the first time since 5,440kg-orca Tilikum dragged 40-year-old veteran trainer Dawn Brancheau to her death underwater three days ago. Meanwhile, a former head trainer said Tilikum was just "curious" about Brancheau's pony tail and wanted to play with the "new toy".

Zimbabwe's Herald quotes President Mugabe's supporters saying they spent around €220,000 to celebrate his 86th birthday. Delma Lupepe, a leading member of Mugabe's party, said he helped raise the money from donors. Some 25,000 Mugabe supporters were invited to the celebrations a week after his birthday. A concert on Friday was followed by a meal of beef, chicken and rice yesterday.

Fox Sports reports that the Canadian women's ice hockey team have been forced to apologise for celebrating their Olympic gold by swigging champagne and beer and smoking cigars. The partying took place after the players had collected their medals for their 2-0 win over the United States