Marsaxlokk fishermen in final farewell to Somali fisherman

The Imam of the Muslim community in Malta, Mohamed El Sadi, said this afternoon that the life in Malta of Somali fisherman Abdulrahman Abdalla Gedi was "an example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect".

Mr Gedi was one of the victims of the Simshar fishing tragedy. His funeral, presided by the Imam, was held this afternoon at the Mosque in Corradino.

The funeral service was attended by a cousin of Mr Gedi, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg (since the Prime Minister is abroad) and a large number of fishermen. Also present were Toni Abela, deputy leader of the MLP, and Mgr Philip Calleja, director of the Emigrants Commission.

The Imam expressed his condolences to Malta for the loss of the Simshar and spoke on how Mr Gedi, 21, had come to Malta in the search of a better life. The Imam said he knew that Malta was concerned about immigration, but, he said, "we are all refugees in the land of God" and God would help Malta, which was showing mercy and hospitality.