Wednesday, 8th October 2008 - 15:11CET

Police urged to investigate offensive video clip

The National Commission Persons with Disability has called on the police to investigate a video clip posted on YouTube showing "Maltese bullies" trying to ridicule and mock disabled people on account of their physical and/or intellectual impairments.

"KNPD is not against comedy, or satire, as long as the material is not offensively targeted at making fun of people's biological differences. Humour that in any way mocks people because of their impairments and differences can only do harm for any efforts to include disabled people in mainstream society: it demoralises the victim and debases the bully," the commission said.

The commission condemned the production of this clip and urged the Police Commissioner to take all necessary action allowed under Maltese law to identify and prosecute the people who took the videos and broadcast them on the Internet.

It also urged all disabled people, their families and especially NGOs working in the sector to show solidarity with the victims of this new form of hate-crime by condemning the bullies and demanding suitable redress.

It said that through education, these and similar incidents could be prevented from happening in the first place.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 8, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Robert Micallef (on 9/10/08)

That woman already goes through hell everyday because of these people trying to be funny and insulting her. It might be true that she wears the same clothes everyday, has a scruffy hairdo and likes to collect rubbish but that doesn't give the right to anyone to bully her!

Clive Aquilina Spagnol (on 9/10/08)

....and given the punishment they deserve....not the usual joke of a punishment!

We have to be tough with the strong, helpful with weak!

Brian Ferrante (on 9/10/08)

Maybe the NCPD should also help one particular person targeted by the "Maltese bullies".

She is highly visible in Valletta. If I'm not mistaken, there have been several letters in the TOM asking the authorities to help her.

michael seychell (on 8/10/08)

How low can some people go - is it possible that there are any persons who can enjoy and laugh by seeing another person ridiculed. SHAME on whoever was responsible - I hope the police will take this case very seriously, and if any person/s is arraigned our courts do not show any leniency on those responsible.

Michael Seychell

James A. Tyrrell (on 8/10/08)

Here, here. Lets see how funny they find it when the cameras are pointed at them!

Ramon Casha (on 8/10/08)

Although I condemn the video and the ones who made it, I'm not sure what law has been broken.

T Farrugia (on 8/10/08)

I've seen the videos and they are pure bullying against people who cannot defend themselves saying capcap how cruel!!! people who commented against the videos were told to become priests and some were even insulted. lets hope these cowards can be brought to justice. because that's what they are cowards. they bully disabled people and insult people over the internet instead of face to face!!

Lewis Attard (on 8/10/08)

Find the culprits and if found guilty make them do community work dressed up in a bright orange garb. Publicise the occasion.

roderick mamo (on 8/10/08)

About fricken time these idiots are investigated! This has been happening for the last 15 years, YES 15 or so. I can remember the times when I used the public transport and this poor lady 'Censa' was already being ridiculed by these so called, 'Catholics'. Even bus drivers used to ridicule her infront a a packed bus. 15 years or more so anyone can imagine in what state of mind this poor human being is in today. Viva Youtube mela.

J Portelli (on 8/10/08)

Well done to MaltaToday and Maltastar journalists who unmasked the guys behind this bullying.
I sincerely believe that media is playing a great role in helping minorities and 'helpless' people who end up in such horrible situations.

Ramon Zammit (on 8/10/08)

I hope these people are caught and brought to justice. It is already miserable for a lady to have a missing hand let alone having people asking her to clap her hands!!. I will clap my hands when I see these 'beings' in court.

Police urged to investigate offensive video clip

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