In a landmark ruling, the court has ordered the eviction of squatters occupying Fort Bengħajsa, paving the way for the authorities to reclaim the site. This decision brings an end to a long-standing dispute between the squatters and the government, which has been seeking to regain control of the fort for years.
The squatters, who have been living in the fort for decades, had argued that they had a right to remain on the site due to their long-standing presence. However, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the government, which had contended that the squatters were occupying the site illegally. The court’s decision is seen as a significant victory for the authorities, who have been working to restore the fort to its former glory.
The eviction of the squatters is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the authorities set to provide alternative accommodation to those affected. While the decision is likely to be met with resistance from some of the squatters, it is seen as a necessary step towards preserving the historical significance of Fort Bengħajsa and ensuring that it is protected for future generations. The court’s ruling is also expected to have implications for other squatting cases in Malta, where the issue of illegal occupation of public and private land remains a contentious one.
