ANR condemns vandal acts against Jesuits

The Alleanza Nazzjonali Repubblikana (ANR), a right-wing organisation, yesterday strongly condemned the recent acts of vandalism against the Jesuit community.

In a statement, ANR said that since its inception, it has made it clear that it is against any form of violence and vandalism, whether this is perpetrated against property belonging to private owners or monuments of historic relevance such as Portes des Bombes, countryside chapels and the Turkish cemetery.

"People committing such crimes should be condemned by everyone because society has to show that such vile and cowardly acts get nobody's sympathy.

"Citizens have a duty to assist the police to apprehend these criminals who should hopefully be handed down a prison sentence which will remind everyone that such acts are unacceptable," the ANR said.

It added that though it was not in agreement with the Jesuits' stand on aiding illegal immigrants, the ANR extends its sympathy to those members of the religious order who were victims of the vandal acts.

ANR said it admires the Jesuits' steadfastness in defending their ideals.

Cars belonging to the Jesuit community were torched last week and in November and in both cases the arson took place shortly after the Jesuits broadcast their views against racism and xenophobia.

This has led to strong suspicions that racist elements are behind the acts.