MHRA congratulates police for youth gang arrests

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has congratulated the police for apprehending the youngsters who formed part of a gang in the Gżira area.

Seven young men, aged between 15 and 25, on Sunday admitted in court to forming part of a gang that harassed and attacked people without provocation in the area between Gżira and Sliema.

The eldest two gang members, Andrea Skotadis, 19, and Raymond Gatt, 25, were each given a six-month jail term suspended for a year and the rest of the group, all minors, were put on probation for up to three years.

MHRA said bringing the people involved in such acts to justice so swiftly showed the commitment of the police to "an otherwise serious situation in our streets".

The people were given peace of mind when walking in the street, knowing that the arm of the law could act quickly and decisively when violent acts occurred. It added that the arraignments also gave "comfort" to Malta's tourism industry knowing visitors could safely enjoy their stay.