Is life so cheap?

It was recently reported discreetly that nine people, among them Maltese, accused of trafficking in human beings, were cleared of alleged involvement in the deaths of four immigrants by an Italian court due to legal loopholes in the Italian system (the summons served were not in Maltese as required by law!).

The immigrants, who wanted to reach Sicily, reportedly paid between $600 and $1,000 for their transportation. However, what happened leaves one shocked and numb. When the Italian authorities intercepted the Maltese boat with the immigrants, those responsible for such an operation allegedly forced all immigrants overboard, in order for them to return to Malta and escape arrest. The immigrants reportedly pleaded in vain that they would drown if not helped into the boat, as they did not know how to swim. In fact, four immigrants drowned.

It's really hard to believe where desperation for money could lead to. The Scriptures do stress the fact that money can be the root of all evil and, honestly, this scenario is one evil at its worst. Taking advantage of the plight and vulnerability of "nameless" people, far away from home (if ever they had one), and literally using them at free will, is modern slavery and a savage system that should shame anyone condoning it, let alone perpetuating it.

Reflecting on this report, there are some issues that need to be aired openly. We speak of our society being civilised and based on human dignity. Well, perhaps we are civilised, but only in a selective manner, where it is convenient to us! How come such a report was almost brushed aside by local media? Could it be that it had no news value? If that's the case, Malta is truly in deep trouble, living an alienated, but happy, life!

In truth, talk is cheap. And I fear that Life is cheap too. Unless we are going to start practicing charity and justice fairly and squarely here at home, our motto will be that we talk the talk, but we don't walk the walk!