121 persons were fined €100 each on Monday for being in groups of more than three.

Gatherings of more than three people were banned as part of the measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.

On the other hand, no one was found breaking mandatory quarantine during the 430 inspections carried out in the last 24 hours, the government said in its daily Covid-19 bulletin.

Earlier on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that the police had carried out over 21,000 mandatory quarantine inspections and issued 73 fines.

He said that 865 fines had been dished out for breaches of the 3-person rule.

Monday's was the highest ever number of fines issued in the space of 24 hours.

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Parliament on Monday debated amendments to the Police Act. Camilleri thanked the police for their hard work during the past few weeks, and for adjusting to their new lifestyle. "Because of the police force, their enforcement and presence, the public feel protected," said Camilleri.

He pointed out that, previously, there was no police presence in certain localities but the situation is now very different. "These police officers are making sure that the rules are followed and that the public is protected."

He said he was also pleased that the fear of a spike in certain crimes had not materialised.

"Our police have been working tirelessly and have noted an increase in armed robberies of food delivery drivers, and took immediate action against this form of crime."

He also said that just because the number of new Covid-19 cases was dwindling, this does not mean that prevention measures should not be taken seriously. "It is because of the measures and regulations we put in place that we have low numbers, and we must keep them low for the weeks to come."

Camilleri also commented on enforcement during this Spring hunting season, and said that, despite initial doubts, the level of inspections is in line with previous years., 

He pointed out that this year there were fewer licenced hunters on the ground, as those who are over the age of 65 and vulnerable people were forbidden to go out and were not issued with a hunting license.

Camilleri also spoke about the new process of appointing police commissioners, saying it will be fair and transparent.

 

We need a strong independent Police Board: Beppe Fenech Adami

Also speaking during the debate, PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami said the amendments were removing the power of the Independent Police Board, a board which should have the capability to investigate any complaints in the police force.

Fenech Adami echoed his gratitude to the police force and other frontliners, but highlighted that such an amendment is to affect the power of an independent board. "This board is a necessity, and has an obligation to look at complaints and to look into investigations related to the police."

The MP said that the Greco Report had addressed the issue of the Independent Police Complaint Board and that it was not "well equipped" and "despite the name, does not guarantee independence." He stressed that the Board must be strengthened and resourced.

"I wish for a proactive board and right now this board does not have the resources to carry out its duties properly," he said.

Fenech Adami said that because there is no strong Independent Police Complaints Board, there are certain criminals who remain untouchable. "How can it be that Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri can get away with such crimes? How come no one is investigating them? The Vitals Hospital deal is another example of corruption yet the police are not investigating it."

He also asked why former police commissioner Laurence Cutajar, who he said formed part of the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, had met with the middleman.

"How can he get away with this?"