Stand up and be counted

A Christian Outlook had taken a very strong position following the arson against the property of the Jesuit community. We did not mince our words: "What happened... reveals a very ugly aspect of our society. It seems that there is a substratum of intolerant and violent people who seek occasions to 'celebrate' their violence... These violent people and their perversion has to be resisted nationally."

Since then the situation has become worse. More attacks have taken place. Two very prominent journalists - Saviour Balzan and Daphne Caruana Galizia - are among the victims. The nature and execution of the attacks clearly shows that there is some form of organisation behind them.

The attack on Ms Caruana Galizia was described as one "planned with military precision". While all violence is abominable and should be abhorred, violence against journalists has an added ugliness to it. Such violence attacks not just the individual but the system that exalts and guarantees free speech and its free expression.

We offer all our solidarity with the victims. There is no need to encourage them to keep on expressing themselves freely. There is no need as there is no doubt that they will continue to do so.

The police should leave no stone unturned in its drive to bring the culprits to book. We hope that they will soon succeed to do so.

The Jesuits have publicly come out in support of the victims of this violence. They pointed to our Christian values as a source of light in this situation.

"While expressing our total solidarity with these victims, we Jesuits unreservedly condemn all kinds of violence, especially that linked with racial intolerance, whose clear objective is to silence those who are striving to promote a culture of respect and tolerance in our country.

"We firmly believe that a renewed commitment to our Christian values and the traditional goodness of our people are the best guarantee against intolerance and violence. At the same time swift and effective action is needed on all levels to ensure that our country continues to enjoy real freedom and peaceful coexistence not only with foreigners who end up in our country, but also among us Maltese," the Jesuits said.

What is happening is an attack against all society. Where will these and like-minded arsonists stop? They should be resisted by one and all. No one should stay on the sidelines. At a time like this men and women of good will should stand up to be counted.