Man gets suspended sentence for denigrating religion

Alan Vella

Nov 5th 2009, 11:21

Is this the same church that urged the police to act on the people who dressed up as nuns and priests at the carnival?

The same organisation that acted to ban a newspaper from a university?

They have the gall to talk about censorship??!!??!!

Becky Cachia

Mar 25th 2009, 22:10

The question is would the same have happened if the same man was wearing clothes to mock other religions? I think not. This is where we should question the involvement of the Catholic Church in state matters.

RAMON MICALLEF

Mar 22nd 2009, 06:28

the police took action following instructions by the church...

Imma veru li l-awtoritajiet tal knisja jitkellmu meta jaqbillhom..."He was accused of wearing a sacred habit without permission, or against the prohibition of the respective authorities"

...and what about those church appostles authorised by their respective authorities li hammgu isem il-knisja?

...hemm nies fil qalba tal knisja li jhabbru l- kelma ta' Alla, u li dejjem liebsin is 'sacred clothing' imma ma jixraqillhomx...imma hadd qatt ma ha passi kontrihom...u l-knisja halqa maghluq !

George M Sant

Mar 20th 2009, 16:02

@Robert Callus
I would like to reflect further, that all human beings struggle to make sense of themselves and the world they live in. What answers they come up with depends on a host of factors. Social factors are most important. In a Catholic country like Malta, indoctrination virtually from conception will inevitably have a major impact on personality development irrespective of intelligence and sophistication. Some may consciously enbrace religion and some may find some fulfillment in it. Others may feel they have no other suitable options. Some will struggle with ambivalences about their religion all their lives and others feel trapped, wanting to move away but unable to. Religion may provide comfort to some but invariably exacts a very high price in terms of repression and unwarranted guilt, rigidity of thinking that inhibits progress, personal growth and emotional maturation.

I stress that I am talking in general terms, about humanity in general, and am not referring to any person in particular.

George M Sant

Mar 20th 2009, 16:00

@Robert Callus
Thank you for your comments and apologies for not replying earlier. I really have no major issue with your view. Indeed the statistics I quoted do show that not all highly intelligent and accomplished people refute religion. The fact remains though that the vast majority do. I will not enter into a distinction between weak and insecure but merely point out that the less intelligent and less sophisticated one is, the less insight one is likely to have into one's personality dynamics and fewer resources to make sense of and resolve the normal psychological conflicts we all face. The result is greater reliance on external forces to make sense of their psychic life and of their personal journey through life, with reliance on ritual to appease those forces controlling the universe.

I accept your comment that some of my comments, though intended only to illustrate, may be construed as too sweeping. I assure you I meant no disrespect to the people you mentioned and indeed I feel indebted to a couple of them even though I never had the pleasure of meeting them personally.
/cont..

Dave Alan Caruana

Mar 19th 2009, 12:09

In the interest of protecting religious imagery on a broader basis than just the christian variety, and if you agree, please join the Facebook group 'Ban Pirate Carnival Costumes in Malta!' which can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=59338593179&ref=nf

Rbert Callus

Mar 17th 2009, 20:01

@George M Sant
Though I'm agnostic myself, I disagree with your sweeping statements. People of a good, better than average educational level and with no mental have problems still beleive in a religion or another.
You mentioned the word weak. Depends on the circumstance. I think people who are insecure rather than weak tend more to accept things unquestioned. However, once again, I don't beleive all believers are insecure people.

Mentioning Maltese people, I would consider neither of these three as uneducated, less intelligent, insecure or weak, and I'm sure they did questioning before arriving to their conclusions - Fr Peter Serrachino Nglott, Oliver Friggieri and Fr Mark Montebello. They arrived to a different conclusion from myself (and yours) but it doesn't mean they are wrong (neither that they are right)

George M Sant

Mar 12th 2009, 13:37

@JoeXuereb Quite! It is the nature of religion to suppress intelligent questioning, promote blind faith and increase dependency on itself by fanning guilt and fear of the unknown. I would not generalise about intelligent people, though. There is a negative correlation between intelligence and religious conviction. A survey of the members of the American National Academy of Sciences indicated that only 7% believe in a personal God. Membership of the Academy is very exclusive and strictly by election. Only scientists considered eminent enough by their peers are admitted. A similar survey of the British equivalent, the Royal Society, showed only 3% believed in a personal God with 79% expressing strong disagreement. Mensa has carried numerous surveys of its members from the late 1920's. The results are consistent, with a negative correlation between intelligence, educational status and religious beliefs. Religious conviction appeals most to the uneducated, the weak, the neurotic and the indoctrinated who is past critical thinking. And of course to those who make a living out of it. The social power of religious organisation however is such that until recently people were reluctant to declare their convictions publicly and so the myth continues.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 12th 2009, 11:22

@ George M Sant, Kenneth Cassar, et al. The problem with religion is it becomes an all-encompassing personal identity. Because it is based on insubstancialities, its adherents are very fragile. Fragile because they are riddled with unanswerable doubts. So if they are criticised, like Dr. Saliba here, they feel very threatened. Even the super intelligent, people with doctorates, etc. they can reason on all matters but they are to scared to question their secure certainty so they compartmentalise it and fight to the point of ridicule when threatened.
The Victorians went through similar traumas in the nineteenth century when they saw their old certainties question. Many forged ahead with ever more innovative discoveries. Others shored up their existence and this is seen in the art of the time. Some even demonised the then new steam train. And covered the piano legs to discourage lascivious thoughts. While the nude in art became more and more sensual. It is all there. Malta is a hundred and fifty years behind the times. Of course. But the march forward is inexorable nevertheless. Some people resent this. And clutch at straws.

George M Sant

Mar 12th 2009, 00:15

@Martin Portelli - Very well put. There certainly are lessons to be learned from what happened in Nadur. A law that renders an organisation immune from criticism, and therefore from accountability, is not just archaic but dangerous and incompatible with free thought and speech, essential for a society to mature and progress. How can one be creative without challenging the conventional and pushing the boundaries? We have seen the Church repeatedly act in a self effacing manner dictating the course for the whole of society and of justice in favour of its interests. The silence of civil authorities has been deafening, while both they and the police demonstrate remarkable double standards in failing to prosecute earlier, much more serious, incidents that have resulted in actual personal harm to the victims, not just bruised egos. Unfortunately we are endowed by a sheepish media content to quote without questioning or even presenting an alternative equally weighty opinion. Perhaps we all are to blame for lacking the courage to stand up better for social equity and a level playing field.

martin portelli

Mar 11th 2009, 17:15

The only issue here is an archaic law that forces the state to uphold privilege and theocracy. It needs amending. The minister concerned has been conspicuously silent on the matter. Carnival is not about a dead spectacle for tourists it is the suspension of conventional order. A prohibitive policy concerning culture will hardly be the way forward in the year Europe dedicated to creativity. Retrograde medieval attitudes regarding privilege will not further the Church's cause, surely, anyone can see that!
Carnival and the culture of laughter parody official languages and established notions of high culture. Carnival liberates and empowers those who feel emarginated by ‘conventional society’. This year’s carnival in Nadur was a good indication of where the balance of power lies in Maltese society. We should read it carefully.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 11th 2009, 15:30

@ Dr Francis Saliba:

I know that "loving" and "forgiving" are not the same. But you should know that "loving" requires "forgiving". One cannot truly love unless one forgives. Of course, one can choose to pretend to love, but that is another matter.

Forgiveness does not involve an interaction between two people. I can forgive someone without that someone repenting. In fact, I have actually done so more than once in my life.

That the offender "has no right" to expect forgiveness does not mean that I should not forgive him...more so if I proclaim that I love him.

If I say I love someone without forgiving that someone unconditionally, I would be both a liar and a hypocrite.

It was not my question that was silly after all...it was your futile attempt at bending or evading it.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 11th 2009, 14:31

@Kenneth Cassar

Although related "loving" and "forgiving" are not the same. A person loves irrespective of the behaviour of anybody else whether that is good, evil or neutral. Forgiveness involves an interaction between at least two people, the offending party and the offended party. The former has no right to expect forgiveness without repenting and when he is actually showing a determination to continue to offend.

And that is the last silly question from you that I will answer.

George M Sant

Mar 11th 2009, 14:16

@Dr Saliba Your heated reply indicates you do not have an answer to the points I raised. Let me reiterate that, what happened at Nadur, is of relevance and is stirring so much interest, because it is symptomatic of a much deeper issue - freedom of thought, speech and belief within a democratic society and the interference by the Church with social matters to protect its interests. We have seen the Church use its standing to influence a number of decisions that affect the whole of society. It may not be where you want to go but if you choose to defend the case you have to address these issues, however uncomfortable they may make you feel.

There is a solid argument that the interference of the ecclesiastical authorities in this case was intrinsically flawed. This view becomes much stronger when viewed in the context of their inconsistencies of attitude and action when it suited them. Far from being illogical, such inconsistencies should be of grave concern. At best they betray hypocrisy; possibly much worse. Had this happened anywhere else the bishops would have been hounded by the media and quite probably find themselves before the courts.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 11th 2009, 13:17

@ Dr Francis Saliba:

Here are some direct questions you will probably evade:

Jesus tells you to love your enemies, doesn't he? Well, you cannot love anyone unless you forgive him/her. Your enemies obviously will not repent of the harm they do to you as long as they remain your enemies. Then, please explain...how can one love one's enemies unless he forgives them unconditionally?

Or did Jesus mean to say that we must not really love our enemies, but wait until they become our friends...and only then love them? Not much of an improvement on the Golden Rule, if this is the case!

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 11th 2009, 12:56

@GeorgeSant

If you scroll down this blog you would find that "forgiveness" has been introduced, not by me, and as a recurrent issue. I am frequently accused (with scant justification) that I do not answer every question - even though many are irrational, irrelevant , introduced as red herrings and merit only one answer - "balderdash". You are free to hold any opinions you like and to express them - but neither you nor anyone else, has any right to demand that I waste my time to answer questions not relating to the Nadur Carnival itself but which are dragged in as a venomous attack against the local hierarchy, and the police, based on the illogicality that the failure to take action for any offence would justify the omission to take action on all others.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 11th 2009, 12:37

@ Dr Francis Saliba:

OK, fine, I'll take your word for it that Christians are only expected to forgive those who repent (not such a big deal...any fool can do that).

It's funny though. I, an atheist, forgive even those who do not repent of the harm they do to me.

I guess I've also added something to Christ's addition to the Golden Rule - that is to not only love your enemies (which you cannot do unless you forgive them unconditionally for the harm they do to you), but also to forgive them unconditionally.

C. Vella

Mar 11th 2009, 08:37

Mickey mouse country.

J. Scerri

Mar 11th 2009, 07:07

@ Kenneth Cassar

That's real. Everytime Dr. Saliba replies to anyone (me included) he never tell the reason why we're wrong by finding it in our comment. He speaks about LAW & BIBLE. Now most of the maltese laws he talks about are absolete and if you compare them with the other EU countries, you'll notice that we're still in the Medieval time. And the BIBLE well, it's so vast that's so easy for everyone (the catholics mostly) to use it at their conveniencies, .

I think the Catholic Church has more important thing to tackle than wasting time on JUDGING people and try to interfere in every argument that arise around the world. For more info, this is the link that came out on an italian papers:

http://www.corriere.it/cronache/09_marzo_08/diocesi_irlanda_pedofilia_e1740eaa-0bb5-11de-a15e-00144f02aabc.shtml


This news is taken from the Corriere Della Sera, the most selling news paper in Italy.

NOW PEOPLE SHALL FORGIVE THE CHURCH'S ADMINISTRATION ABOUT THIS CASE AND MANY OTHERS CASES LIKE THIS, CAUSE HERE IT SEEM THAT NO ONE IS BEING REPERENT ?

And like the italian says : CHI E SENZA PECCATO, SCAGLI LA PRIMA PIETRA !!!

George M Sant

Mar 11th 2009, 00:17

And what exactly are the duties of bishops and police? Are you suggesting that bishops have the right to influence the way the whole of society thinks and behaves, including that of those who choose not to belong to their flock? Do you condone the actions of a bishop who stands in full regalia at the altar declaring that a crime he admits has been committed by those close to his organisation should not be prosecuted as he believes the consequences unacceptable? And what do you say of this same bishop who then turns around and declares an individual should be rigorously prosecuted because he has acted in a manner that offends his particular beliefs? And what of the civil authorities who push their impartiality aside to follow the desires of their sire?

George M Sant

Mar 11th 2009, 00:14

Dr Saliba forgiveness is not at issue. Freedom of thought and speech are. Why should anyone repent of challenging the conventional? Are you so insecure in your convictions that any hint of a challenge sends you spinning, wanting to prosecute and to suppress? Are you so uncomfortable in your beliefs that you need to see all and sundry conform to your set ways, irrespective of how valid they are? This is a free and democratic country. Any and all authorities, civil or ecclesiastical, your church included, are accountable to the people. People are free to think as they please and to challenge any authority, so long as they harm noone. Zejtuni's actions may have been in bad taste but all they hurt is the haughty ego of some authorities. They are the ones who abused their power. While the bishops had every right to express their point of view on what happened, they had no right whatsoever to incite civil authorities to enforce their point of view. If there is a law protecting any authority from citicism it is archaic and violates basic human rights. Any authority that manipulates such laws is sailing very close to fascism.

martin portelli

Mar 10th 2009, 21:06

How many 'suttana' wearing priests do you actually see on Malta's streets today ? Haven't seen a 'suttana' in sight for quite some time in the village square actually (unless you count the counterfeit priests at the Nadur carnival )! None of the lay priests on TV opt to wear it either. What was the fuss all about exactly ?

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 10th 2009, 19:30

@ the Cassars etc

No, Christ did not order anyone to forgive “unconditionally” not even in the Lord's Prayer. Not only are you quoting the scripture selectively as it suits you, but you are also foolishly adding to it to suit your purpose. While crucified Christ asked His Father to forgive his executioners but only because “they did not know what they were doing” i.e. that is his real identity. This ignorance would hardly apply in the Nadur carnival case because those who are defending that blasphemy had been taught religion in their youth but they churlishly refer to that education as “religion being rammed down their throats” or through their noses.

Forgiving “seven times” cannot be taken literally, in fact in the Matthean parallel it is given as seventy seven times. It means as often as forgiveness is asked for by the contrite.

Buddha said many beautiful things but nowhere is he quoted as saying "love your enemies". Christ did.

And don't accuse me of not answering questions - not even when I consider them irrelevant (as in the case of Deuteronomy) or downright silly.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 15:43

@ Dr Francis Saliba:

Does He, or does He not say that everyone should forgive unconditionally? I believe that the excerpt you quote does not mean we should forgive only 7 times, or does it?

Please clarify, since the priests at the Salesian school I attended always told me that Jesus asks of us to forgive unconditionally.

A. Muscat

Mar 10th 2009, 15:37

@ Dr Francis Saliba

What would you say about another example of ‘forgiveness’ quote from same Bible?. Please don’t drag me to comment on both OT and new Testament, otherwise we gonna have end-less debate discussing 2 gods of one bible.

Deuteronomy 25:11-12
‘If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.’

Thanks heaps

Kevin Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 15:28

@ Dr Francis Saliba

You never fail to amaze us all. Please explain how your argument is different to ours? Are you not quoting the Gospels where it suits you too!!! You failed to explain the lord's prayer and the quote from the cross though because they totally nullify your claim. Oh and to quote your to the letter interpretation - what happens if he sins an eight time? We don't want to discourage the authorities and the Bishop from doing their duty. In fact we INSISTthat the police and the bishops, do their duty and send those who abused children to rot in prison for life.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 10th 2009, 15:14

The commentators in favour of "forgiveness" and quoting the gospels as it suits them should take a good look at Luke 17-3 ("...and IF HE REPENTS, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in a day and TURNS TO YOU SEVEN TIMES AND SAYS "I REPENT you must forgive him"). This point is of crucial importance because those supporting the vulgarities at the Nadur carnival do not show any trace of repentance at all. Quite the opposite. Their campaign is intended to discourage the bishops and the police from doing their duty and to be allowed to continue to indulge in their blasphemous, offensive and illegal conduct. That is positive proof that not only are they not repentant at all but that they are actually seeking a license to offend and to break the law.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 14:06

Let's get on track...apparently, if Daphne Caruana Galizia is correct, it is illegal to dress as a priest, but not as Christ and the apostles. Apparently Christ and the apostles went scot-free. I heard that Judas was not even charged...presumably he was the one who gave the tip-off.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 12:15

What offends us anti-clergy is not only that this is an outdated, medieval and discriminating law, but the fact that like some politicians these people do not practice what they preach. I was not upset because the bishop condemned the acts, but I would have much more respect for him if he said that while he cannot approve of such behaviour, he forgives them like Jesus (the person he should follow and imitate) did to his enemies (who did not just ridicule him but had him killed). I'd also have much more respect for him if he did not sweep the child abuse case under the carpet as in many other sins of the church. How can we respect the Bishop who instigated the authorities to prosecute instead of forgiving. I remember the beloved Pope John Paul 2, who has my full respect, forgiving the person who shot him. Did he ask Mr. Acga if he had remorse first? Maybe Dr Francis can tell us common mortals.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 12:06

This should put things into perspective: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090310/local/suspended-jail-term-for-death-threat

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 12:00

@ J Scerri:

When elsewhere I mentioned that the Golden Rule predates Christianity, Dr Saliba made it a point to "inform" me that Jesus made a unique addition to it (to love one's enemies), even though someone else pointed out that Buddha had made that "original" addition hundreds of years before Christ.

Now I wonder...is loving your enemies compatible with not forgiving people unless they repent?

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 11:45

@ J Scerri:

When faced with difficult questions, Dr Saliba will say they were rhetorical questions that do not warrant a reply. Don't hold your breath waiting for replies to your questions. Dr Saliba will possibly also tell you (like he did to me) that you have absolute and unshakeable convictions that could never be shaken by any answer from anybody. A very convenient excuse.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 09:09

@ anyone with sense

Unfortunately for Dr Francis Saliba, we anti clericals, know your religion well since we have had it force fed through our noses for at least 16 years. As far as I know Jesus said in the our father - "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us" which according to the supreme being should read "if they show remorse". Also on the cross, Jesus said "Forgive them father for they know not what they do" - again thanks to the intervention of the illuminated Dr this should read Forgive them father, if they repent and ask for forgiveness. The other orifice should be used for completely different purposes.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 10th 2009, 07:41

@ Dr Francis Saliba:

Are you saying that not a single police officer saw this person in his costume? If so, why were no steps taken to stop him immediately?

The Commissioner of Police has not declared that the charges were not commenced as a result of the Bishops' proclamation. Charges are brought up in court, so they have to happen after the event. What the statement claimed was that it was the investigations that commenced immediately.

If that is so, why was this individual not arrested immediately, or better still, asked to go and change clothes? Are we expected to believe that the police let him stay in the costume and started the investigations immediately after the carnival was over?

Are we expected to believe that no police officer in Nadur noticed anyone dressed in the "offensive" costumes? And if they did, why would investigations be necessary when the "offenders" could be arrested immediately?

Are we saying that the police are inefficient and "blind" just so that we may say that it was not the Bishops who instigated the arrest?

Kyle Dueck

Mar 10th 2009, 01:42

It's not a question of whether the law was broken or not, it clearly was broken. It's not a question of whether the police or church originally ordered the prosecution. The question is: is the law just and worth having? This is the point that has many people up in arms.

It's my belief that this law is unjust, and not worth having. Catholic people are allowed to express their faith in public by wearing crosses, going to church, talking about god, etc. These things might also offend some people, but it's your right to freedom of expression. That freedom must be applied to everyone, otherwise it's not really a freedom at all. People who don't follow your faith should not be bound to follow its rules. The downside to this freedom is that some people may end up being offended if someone exercises their rights in a way that conflicts with someone else's beliefs, but that's a small price to pay for living in a society where everyone is truly equal and free.

martin portelli

Mar 10th 2009, 00:46

Will the ‘secular’ police be arraigning in court anyone who looks like Jesus Christ , beard, sandals and all throughout the year ? Will they be censoring any of the adverts on TV, magazines etc featuring Christ, any of the apostles or the saints, or indeed clergy, monks etc ?
Where exactly is the current culture minister in all of this? Is this her new take on Culture ? Are we in for a new era of 'sanitised and censored ' culture? I suggest someone pass a copy of Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel to the Rt. Honorable Cristina, maybe the true socio-political meaning of 'Carnival' be revealed to her. ( It’s not exactly about tourism, you see) Isn't there a Secular Maltese politician worth his or her salt, prepared to uphold European secular values? Which 'Europe' did we join exactly? I have never encountered reference to obligatory theocracy in the European constitution!
Unsurprisingly, antediluvian laws relating to the Maltese carnival include the issue of 'satire' and ‘attire’ . It seems both the political class and the religious power class are very partial to privilege. Why the secular state insists on upholding theocracy in a modern European state beggars belief.

J. Scerri

Mar 9th 2009, 22:04

@Dr Francis Saliba

So now you can choose those who are the people in good will (@ all those of good will ). And I bet that those are the few that agree with you.

And by the way, you only replied once to me and if you get sick (Your comments have been answered ad nauseam - I repeat them for the last time, I hope) for so little, instead to reply to people and discuss with them on blogs, do some Sudoku or Crosswords instead, like that you won't get any replies.

About forgiveness, you said (Christian forgiveness depends on repentance and asking for forgiveness. There is no trace of that in this particular case ). Now according to the bible, when Jesus was crucified and said the phrase ( forgive them, they don't know what they are doing) I don't remember that the soldiers were sorry for what they had done in that moment.

The fact is IF YOU WANT TO FORGIVE, JUST DO IT WITHOUT WAITING FOR OTHERS TO BE SORRY. OR ELSE DON'T FORGIVE AT ALL. AL LEAST THAT'S LESS HYPOCRITE.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 9th 2009, 13:53

@ all those of good will

Now that the Commissioner of Police has officially clarified that the charges in respect of the Nadur Carnival activities were NOT commenced as a result of the statement by Archbishop Paul Cremona and Bishop Mario Grech but that they had actually started beforehand, immediately the offences were observed by the police, is it too much to hope that our local anti clericals who habitually grasp every opportunity to malign Malta’s Catholicity would express regret for their much resented incitement?

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 9th 2009, 11:32

@JScerri

Your comments have been answered ad nauseam - I repeat them for the last time, I hope.

Christian forgiveness depends on repentance and asking for forgiveness. There is no trace of that in this particular case - only incitement by the usual irreligious commentators to be allowed to pick and choose which laws they would observe and which they should be allowed to flout with impunity.

There should have been no need for the bishop and the adherents of the official religion of the Republic to draw the attention of the authorities to flagrant breaches of the criminal law. If anyone was at fault, they were the guardians of the law whose duty it is to prevent crimes and to bring offenders to justice without prompting.

I do not think that anyone who does not understand those simple and obvious facts is really willing to be enlightened - and I will not try to do so anymore.

Emma Xerri

Mar 9th 2009, 04:33

@Edward Bonnici

Tthe gospels were written after Christ had lived on earth. In fact only one of the Evangelists was a contemporary of Christ. Study of the four gospels have shown that they do not always match the event that are recorded. Stories of the later gospels came from second or third hand sources.

Most were translated from the original Aramaic to Greek and Latin and then later on to the vernacular, starting from St. Jerome. So mistakes in translations had to be made. One early mis-translation is in Genesis, "the spirit moved across the waters", should be "a wind moved across the waters", a mis-translation of the Hebrew word for 'wind' into "spirit or soul" .

Early Church fathers had a hand in cherry-picking what stayed in the Gospels and what did not. The Gnostic Gospels and the Qumran Scrolls give a different picture of Christ's life and ministry.

Attempts to correctly translate the Gospels/Bible were made by the Church, one Pope even decided that he could do a better job himself.

Peter de Rosa, a Jesuit priest who had worked in the Vatican archives for 11 years expounds this subject brilliantlly in his book, the "Vicars of Christ".

J. Scerri

Mar 8th 2009, 23:00

@Dr Francis Saliba

I NEVER TRIED to enlighten anyone cause I think people are mature enough to do their own judgements, differently from you.

I gave only my opinion like you did, but as I can see with your reply, only persons thinking like you can give theirs' (LIKE THE CHURCH USUALLY DO, X'KUMBINAZZJONI !!).

About the forgive and forget thing or you need an english dictionary or a translator. Just to remind you, this was the quote from the Times' blog :

Thursday, 5th March 2009 - 11:33CET
Bishops urge authorities to act on Nadur Carnival

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FORGIVE AND FORGET ISSUE HERE ? I didn't see any of these 2 coming from the church.

Please DR. can you ENLIGHT us now !!!

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 22:33

@JenniferSoames

A suspended sentence is what he got - so what are you beefing about?

@AAttard

No hypocrisy is involved. One crime does not excuse any other and the decision to prosecute lies with the competent police and legal authorities, not the bishops, not you nor me nor anybody else. I am not so presumptious as to dictate to them what they should do because neither I nor you nor anybody else is in possession of all the facts as they are.

@Stephen Borg Cardona

The person concerned has got a criminal record because he has committed a criminal act and not because of any witchhunt. Laws are not there to be obeyed according to the whim of a vulgar carnival crowd whose disgusting behaviour is winked at by those who never lose an opportunity to applaud obscenity or to denigrate the Church and all religion on most issues.

@KevinCassar

Unlike you I am not presumptious enough to try to guess the reason for his guilty plea - I assume he had legal assistance on which he would be wise to rely rather than on your gratuitous layman's advice.

Joseph Pace

Mar 8th 2009, 22:31

@ j micallef

very well said! I concur wholeheartedly.

A Attard

Mar 8th 2009, 21:46

Dr Francis Saliba: Let me point out that I have broken no law in expresssing my opinion that laws should be relevant in order to serve a worthwhile purpose. Furthermore, you're still dodging the issue I and many others have raised: that of the hypocrisy of invoking the law when the Church has still a long way to go to keep its own house in order. Once moe, few words for the wise.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 8th 2009, 21:34

@ j farrugia

First of all who are you to judge him? Your Christ told you specifically not to judge people.
Secondly I doubt you would get a suspended sentence if you offended any relative of mine.
Thirdly most probably God was cherring wildly when the crusaders were slaughtering people in his name, when the pope chose to ignore the holocaust, when the children were being abused and beaten by his clergy or when the dying were being swindled of their belongings with the threat of damnation (i'd have written a lot more if not limited to 200 words).
You also say this is not the end of it. Can you please explain?

Stephen Borg Cardona

Mar 8th 2009, 21:20

Shame on the Archbishop and the bishop of Gozo ! This young man now has a criminal record as a result of their pointless witch hunt. Shades of the middle ages.

Kevin Cassar

Mar 8th 2009, 20:27

@ Dr Francis Saliba

The accused pleaded guilty because he either did not know his rights or even more probably because he saw that there was no way of getting a fair trial and by pleading guilty he'd have a more lenient sentence. Even Galileo had to denounce the facts because he was threatened by the Church and we all know who was right (at least I hope we all do). If I was the accused, they would have never got away with this obscenity of a court case. In order to be found guilty, unless you confess (or are forced to confess as most probably was the case) there has to be no reasonable doubt. No one alive today really knows what Jesus looked like so how can they prove he dressed up as him??????

David Micallef

Mar 8th 2009, 20:06

Funny how different costumes elicit diverse reactions…if you dress in sheep’s clothing, you’re liable to prosecution, but if a wolf dresses up in shepherd’s clothing, he will be given maximum assistance!!!

Jennifer Soames

Mar 8th 2009, 19:07

One month in prison is too much - why not a suspended sentence or community work for the church itself for such small crime? Where's the justice?

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Mar 8th 2009, 18:41

@ Dr. Francis Saliba,

The Islam and Roman Catholic church connection is nicely put together by Dr. Walter Veith.

Read his books and or see his video lectures on Youtube.
Syllogism or no syllogism, the connection is there.

John Lauri

Mar 8th 2009, 18:24

@ De Francis Saliba.

Your opinion unfortunately is very biased by the ultra-conservative attitude you have to the prnciples of a secular society. Therefore I do no expect you to take a favourable opinion of my comments !

John Lauri

Mar 8th 2009, 18:21

@ J. Micallef

Brilliant ! Well said.... You hit the nail on its head.

Now how about disputing the facts which Mr/Ms j Micallef has so rightly pointed out ??

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 18:10

@John Lauri

You have every right to claim that you love Malta. The readers of your comments have as much right to form their own opinion after reading and digesting your contributions.

j micallef

Mar 8th 2009, 18:04

Men and women used to be tortured and burnt at the stake in the name of religion. Untold suffering of powerless people was perpetrated in the name of religion around the world. Men and women in various parts of the world are still stoned to death for law infringement in a horibble ritual ordered by religion. Hman beings are still subjected to public lashings in squares in the name of religion. The most menacing and devastating conflicts between peoples and nations around the world were and are the result of conflicts between opposing religious cultures. Deep rooted hatred and bloody vindictive atrocities were and are still being perpetratedin the name of religion around te world. And all this for the common good!

Yes, the young , thoughtless man infringed our law which has been on our lawbooks since everyone used to kneel in the street when a bishop passed by in his flashy American limousine. But it would have been much wiser had the church started asking serious questions about what made this man act the way he did. It would have made more sense for the Church in Malta to enter into a deep soul-searching mode for answers.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 18:01

@A Attard

Your personal opinion that the law is archaic or that it is asinine does not exempt you or anyone else of the same frame of mind from the civic duty of obeying it or else to pay the penalty without whimpering. Rest assured that quoting what the undertaker said to the beadle won't get you off the hook.

It is you who yourself who are pretending that you should have the right to be selective. So, please, don't preach at me.

John Lauri

Mar 8th 2009, 17:29

@ Edward Bonnici.

Liberty & secularism is what most modern nations are based on, (including most of the countries in the EU). I see no disasters in those countries which do not partake in Christianity. Some of whom worth mentioning : All of the Middle East, in addition : India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malysia, Singapore, Indonesia and various parts of Africa and many others. May I remind you that Christianity is not the world's largest religion! Islam is larger than Christianity and so is Buddhism. Does this mean that these countries have no morals, because they are not christian ????

Also several European and other western countries have very clearly stated in their constitutions that there is a complete separation of church and state and that the state IS secular and there shall be no interference from any religion upon the governance of the state. Andorra, Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, lativa, Lithuania, Switzerland etc.. to name but a few !

Not everyone associates to Christianity. Some of us do not believe in any religion, that does not mean we have no morals !

J crauana

Mar 8th 2009, 17:28

The problem here is.

Are we making fun of Christ or the church?

I think God does have a sense of humour and he does not mind a joke or two, he might be having a good laugh too. However the his church on this island does not seem to have a sense of humour. Inkwizijoni. This is the reson why we are still catholic. We never really had a choice and with this attitude the church is going back to the dark ages. Please grow up

John Lauri

Mar 8th 2009, 17:12

@ Dr Francis Saliba.

Your quote : No one can accept your protestations of love for Malta when your comments are nothing but a farrago of insults at its inhabitants, its religion and its judicial system.

My response : Who are you, Dr Saliba to state whether I love my country or not. It is I and I alone who can claim whether I do or not ! So you knwo what is in my heart now ? Hmm, can you read what is in my heart ? If so, congratulations ! You are a very unique kind of genius.

Your condescending attitude towards many of us here is astonishing and shows a severe lack of tolerance to the fact that there are thousands of people who view life, different to you. In civilized places we call this diversity.

It is MY right to be critical of MY country's political, religious and judicial system ! Once again, it is called civil liberty, the very basis of democaracy !

Joseph F. Camilleri is so right. Malta needs a Human Rights Association to fight the daily erosion of civil liberties in Malta including an archaic judicial system.

Marvic Aguis

Mar 8th 2009, 17:03

When it comes to Muslim or Islam, we have freedom of speech to tarnish their image. But when something, which is slightly against Christianity or Jews it's horrible, terrific and unpardonable. Is it a matter of double standard?.
Moreover, would the Church consider critical views against Christianity denigrating? If it does, then it holds the position that any critical view against any religion is construed as denigration; if not, then it holds the position that it is perfectly acceptable to criticize the tenets and practice of one religion but not another, invariably, so it appears, Islam.
We need a future where people just get along... religions exist side-by-side without problems. People of all shapes, sizes, colors - just coexist for the betterment of mankind. All the Gods for all the religions have been introduced and have teamed up to set their people straight. So if the followers don't follow, their own Gods can provide whatever wrath they choose.
End of rant.
Any body interested to read about the divine message of Islam, please read Quran and modern science-compatible or incompatible? By Dr. Zakir Naik
http://www.ahmed-deedat.net/modules.php?name=myBooks2&op=listt&cat=7

May God bless you all
@ Pamela Hansen
You got the point.

A Attard

Mar 8th 2009, 16:33

Dr Francis Saliba: The archaic law may be on the books, but as the undertaker told the beadle, "If that's what the law assumes, then the law is an ass!". You also conveniently neglect to address the issue I and many others have raised regarding hypocrisy. Let me spell it out again to you. THOSE WHO TRULY WANT TO OBSERVE THE LAW CAN'T AFFORD TO BE SELECTIVE! Again, few words for the wise!

Charles Grixti

Mar 8th 2009, 15:54

How do they know what Christ and the Apotles look like? Do they have a polaroid shoot of them?

Joseph F. Camilleri

Mar 8th 2009, 15:52

I am sure that the young man from Zejtun is too happy that he has got off with a suspended sentence to be thinking of appealing. But it is interesting to speculate what would have happened if there were in Malta a strong Human Rights association prepared to challenge this court sentence on the grounds of freedom of expression. Would the Constitutional Court have confirmed the sentence since the denigration of the Roman Catholic Church and faith is specifically prohibited in our criminal code? But what if the case were to reach the European Court of Human Rights? Would the eminent judges have allowed the incarceration (suspended or not) of a European citizen for actions that "hurt the religious sentiments of the Catholic people of Malta"? It would have been instructive to read their judgement which, if it upheld the human right of freedom of expression in ridiculing, criticising or satirising any religion, institution or ideology, irrespective of the sentiments of their members, would have rendered our relevant criminal laws null and void. Unfortunately, we shall never know what those guardians of human rights would have had to say about freedom of expression in Malta.

Edward Bonnici

Mar 8th 2009, 15:40

Ms. Emma Xerri

You keyed in:
‘As to what Jesus said, this too is suspect, since the Gospels have been written, edited and re-written many times.’
Any confirmation for each of your ‘allegations’ please?. What you say is quite serious.
Thank you

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 15:02

@TrevorMizzi

With that kind of logic why bother with the rules of syllogism!

A. Gatt

Mar 8th 2009, 14:50

To answer Mr. Enriquez....if you used to laugh at Fantozzi ridiculing Christ, we did not. Fantozzi was cheap TV who only a certain category of people used to like.

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Mar 8th 2009, 14:44

This is proof positive that Islam is the daughter of the Roman Catholic Church.

They look alike and act alike, they're related.

Carmel Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 14:15

Dan hu parti min dak li sehh bla ma insemmi d-dizordni fl-ipparkjar.

Statwa u kappella rredikolati fin-Nadur - L-Orizzont 5-3-2009

Il-karnival spontanju tan-Nadur qiegħed ikompli joħloq aktar kontroversji hekk kif riċentament il-Parroċċa tan-Nadur infurmat lir-residenti li waqt il-Karnival, bil-lejl kien hemm persuni li qagħdu jirredikolaw statwa ta’ San Pawl li hemm quddiem il-knisja tan-Nadur.

Dan sar billi ttieħdet id-dija­dema li kellha l-istatwa u spiċċat tintlibes minn persuni li kienu qegħdin jieħdu sehem fil-Karnival. Jidher li f’dan il-proċess saret anke xi ħsara lil din l-istatwa, tant għal qalb in-Nadurin.

Jidher li dwar dan il-każ sar rapport lill-Pulizija u min kien involut ittieħed l-għassa. Qiegħda ssir ukoll investigazzjoni.

Ma kinitx biss l-istatwa ta’ San Pawl li sofriet minn atti simili. Dan għax knisja fin-Nadur spiċċat fil-mira ta’ xi persuni oħrajn fil-lejl tal-Karnival, daħlu u qallbu sewwa fiha.

L-Arċipriet tan-Nadur, Mons Saviour Muscat, f’kummenti li ta lil l-orizzont ukoll ikkonferma dawn l-atti van­dali. Huwa rrimarkalna ukoll li saru rapporti lill-Pulizija dwar dawn l-atti.

U anki l-artiklu ferm tajjeb to Ray Mahoney fl-stess gurnal bit-titlu Kristu Karnival?

Joseph Sammut@nextgen.net.mt

Mar 8th 2009, 14:01

@Ruth Grima: yes they should because there IS a law against blaspheming.

Edward Bonnici

Mar 8th 2009, 13:33

@ Pamela Hansen
You were right; here I quote from your article:
5-2-2006
When satire is offensive
‘I wonder how many devout Christians arguing the freedom of speech card would react if Jesus Christ was depicted as an oppressive warmonger in a newspaper in an Islamic state. I am sure they would regard that as highly blasphemous and provocative.’


@JohnLauri
Actually didn’t digress from the argument. As I pointed out somewhere else, morality is a chain, one thing lead to the other. Lack of morality and turning our back to God brings only one thing: DISASTERS!
Liberty, secularism, whatever you call it, if we are careless about our Christianity, and still we are happy with the disastrous development in own societies we are: either idiots or ignorant. In case we are any of the latter we must not presume other confessions are the same, if we do this mean we are arrogant.

JOHN HABER

Mar 8th 2009, 13:29

@ R. Cuschieri and others.
Jekk int u shabek ma tergux ghal karnival in.Nadur, tghamlulna pjacir. Hekk inkun free li niehu il familja tieghi in.Nadur fil paci.

J. Schembri

Mar 8th 2009, 13:24

@ Philip Pace: in civilised countries people would not even THINK of insulting other people's feelings .
Yes, I proved your point that we re-started living in medieval Malta where logic and reason are thrown out of the window.
And please don't draw parallels with Viareggio or Venice , Nadur Carnival cannot even be compared with the one held in Valletta ,let alone with Venice.
I think you have not seen any pictures of the 'costume ' of this guy , I couldn't understand where the satire was, all I could see was crass disrespect towards the feelings of the majority of the Maltese people .

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 13:06

@J Scerri

Please enlighten us. Who are the people who have asked for forgiveness and have who have been denied that forgiveness? Judging from some of the contents of this blog not only has this not happened but they adamantly insist on their right to break the law with impunity and to continue with their indulgence in vulgar and insulting behaviour.

They badly need a lesson in civil and law-abiding behaviour.

Noel Enriquez

Mar 8th 2009, 12:56

So a man gets a suspended scentence (along with drug users, burglars, and people who attack police officers) for dressing up as Christ in carnival! So, in the 80s we used to applaude and laugh our heads off at Fantozzi being crucified and ridiculing Christ in 'Superfantozzi', and now we have to treat youngsters who perhaps now realise they made a mistake in carnival, like the worst criminal! We are religious now, not when we lose our heads off in swearing at the least excuse! What hypocrites! I also saw people dressed up as soldiers in carnival, but none were arraigned. We are a nation where gossip is at the core and a two face attitude is at the heart!

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 12:53

Is it so difficult to understand that the objection is not to the wearing of costumes of religious persons or of Christ himself but to wearing them in the offensive context of a vulgar carnival, and in the full knowledge that this is not only offensive to many thousands of practicing Christians but that it is indubitably in deliberate contravention and defiance of existing laws?

Many comments in this blog are nothing else but deliberate attempts to distort the truth and to denigrate the Church by lies and false imputations.

Pamela Hansen

Mar 8th 2009, 12:38

This has nothing to do with being Gozitan or Maltese. It is about power and control. Remember all the arguments "freedom of speech" in favour of the Mohammed cartoons. I had opined in my column at the time, that the arguments would be completely reversed if the fun were being poked at Jesus Christ.
I think my point has just been proven.

Ruth Grima

Mar 8th 2009, 12:30

''he offended Roman Catholics or the ministers of this religion during the Nadur carnival''........with the same reasoning all those who swear using God's name are to be taken to court....

philip pace

Mar 8th 2009, 12:20

To John Schembri.
':"I wonder if this would happen in the Viareggio or Venice carnival" . I can answer that question easily " such crude behaviour is NEVER seen in those Carnivals , because they are held in a civilised way .You wouldn't see that in Bridgwater Somerset neither."

YOU HAVE PROOVED MY POINT!!!!

We are still stuck with a medieval mentality which means that we are fundamentalists.

We want to go forward but we can't as we are still stuck in the past.

End of subject.

Thank you.

Ian Galea

Mar 8th 2009, 11:49

In my opinion this is something completely ridiculous. Us Maltese we try to give the impression that we are so catholic, well we are not. I firmly believe that the church in itself need a big shake up. We have our religion involved in the laws, but we only apply these laws only when wanted, many other times we forget that we have similar laws. Last week we had a prominant person of the Gozitan church stating that MPs should talk or vote about divorce from there religious conscience. WELL HOW DOES THE SAME PERSON FEEL IN HIS CONSCIENCE ABOUT LIVING IN A FREE COUNTRY, AND BECAUSE ON THE DAY OF FUN AND JOKES YOU DRESS LIKE A PRIEST YOU ARE PUT TO COURT. This confirms my belief that our whole system is a carnival in itself. I am very sad to hear these things. On TV, local or Italian, you see actors wearing similar clothes and we never hear about court cases. Good Keep making Malta look ridiculous

G.Schembri

Mar 8th 2009, 11:45

@ all those who in the name of God support the police and court into taking action and convicting this youth and to the Holier than thou Bshops.
How many of you protested when an employer made his employees undress to check if they were menstruating. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE POLICE TO TAKE ACTION.
I also expect you fervent christians to complain.

Andrew Camilleri

Mar 8th 2009, 11:19

jesus and the apostiles sponsored by cisk - 'malta's favourite larger'...followed by a mob of mock immigrants... if these people have a point to make, i believe they should be allowed to make it... considering the profound philosophical background and intellectual capacity one would expect the bishops to have...i'm surprised that the solution the church finds is through repremaning the public. i think the church should have responded through words of wisdom to address the perception given by the actors...but quite clearly, as so often is the case with the church when having to address social realities, it hasn't got any wise words in this case. honesly this is no more advanced than having been brunt at the stake for having been condemened a witch.

Joseph Pace

Mar 8th 2009, 11:16

The Church has made numerous serious mistakes even in the recent past, and apologised, expecting us simpletons to forgive and forget. I consider this as the latest local mess-up.

Respect must be earned and cannot be imposed.

The bishops' insisting that authorities act on this matter is a sign of weakness. If they still feel able to guide their flock they should have threatened excommunication and indefinite damnation and things of that sort, but that's too outdated and might have the opposite of the desired effect, hence the weakness.

As for the police and courts, there are much more serious issues that we, the majority of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens expect you to tackle with our money. If the clergy feel insulted by anyone, they have the same right as anyone else to sue anyone but they should pay the costs, not us.

Before anyone says that he speaks for the catholics and therefore for the majority of maltese citizens, carry out an honest head count of people at Sunday Mass, you might not have so much of a following as you think.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 10:44

@ A Attard

“What the young man did” was not simply in bad taste – it was blatantly against the law, so much so that he pleaded guilty.

You opinion about the law being “archaic” is irrelevant – the law is on the statute book, it is updated as necessary but no one has thought fit to rescind it. As long as this is so it must be observed by one and all. It should be enforced without any reminders from anyone, bishops or laity.

It is your stance that is “anarchy” not law enforcement. It implies that observance of the law should relegated to the uninhibited discretion of the vulgar element in the Carnival crowd of revellers.

A few words to the wise!

Joe King

Mar 8th 2009, 10:39

CONTINUED

Bin Laden is considered a religious leader in a lot of Muslim communities. I saw at least 2 of them at Nadur. Does this denigration not irk our spiritual leaders? What about the men dressed as women? I dont hear the womens movement up in uproar. Surely they are not denigrating women?
you know when we tut-tut at those naughty hardline muslim states that beat their women for showing a bit of skin? Take a wild guess at what they are getting beaten for? Denigrating their religion. And thats where the real sadness in this article lies.
Because like us maltese, those women lack some rights which are taken for granted in the rest of the western world. I for one, although sympathising somewhat with poor Melvin, for winding up in a situation which has gotten blown way out of proprtion, read the article with a smug look on my face, because i fail to understand how the church cannot see how easily this disillusions people further.50 years ago i might understand how this wound up in court on our little island. In 2009, it just boggles belief.

Joe King

Mar 8th 2009, 10:38

A few points if i may. the comments below (as per usual in a maltese argument/discussion we seem to have gone way off point). Quite what any of this has to do with sweden, gays and maturity on the parts of maltese courts of law is beyond me.
Anyone looking for a sign of how truly backwards our country is, needs look no further than this article. I'm quite sure that my comment will not get rounded on by the bible bashers lurking out there till tomorrow, because today is a Sunday, and as we all know, you wouldnt be doing anything other than God commanded on his day of rest now, would you?
Its carnival. Its fancy dress. Its meant to poke fun. Quite how Melvin denigrated anything is unclear.
CONTINUED

J. Scerri

Mar 8th 2009, 10:19

And what about the word MAHFRA ? The church always tell people repeatedly to forgive but when it comes that they are somehow involved in something, they do the right OPPOSITE. AND NOT ONLY ABOUT THIS CASE BUT IN EVERY JUDGEMENT THEY GIVE (even in things that they shouldn't even care about).

Nice way to give the EXAMPLE !! Maybe it's time even for them to take off their masks now, CARNIVAL it's over !! It's a typical case where the Italians say : PREDICANO BENE MA RAZZOLANO MALE.

Will now the church's administration tell the authorities to arrest and punish every person that doesn't go to church regulary too ? Or maybe those who doesn't own a copy of the bible ?

I'm afraid that once the project of being the new IBIZA is nearly gone (at 4, PV's clubs are closed) , perhaps we're trying to be the new VATICAN CITY !!!

Rebecca Frendo

Mar 8th 2009, 10:17

The UN had passed a resolution that urged countries to make defaming - and even critisising - religion a crime, completely curbing freedom of speech. Malta voted against.

Watch this CNN report. It's chilling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n53-3QnhxZk

http://www.mediawatchwatch.org.uk/2008/01/02/defamation-of-religion-becomes-un-resolution/

The point is that Freedom of Speech is precious in a kind of use it or lose it way. The very attitude that is supposed to stop people getting offended will result in Sharia law opposed on us some day if we keep bending over backwards to deny people the right to say and do what they want.

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 09:30

@JohnLauri

No one can accept your protestations of love for Malta when your comments are nothing but a farrago of insults at its inhabitants, its religion and its judicial system.

Just who do you think you are to pontificate about the place of of our Catholic religion in our Constitution? You have a remedy at your disposal if you want to change it. Try it and see how far you get with gaining support for your petition! Until you do so the Constitution your gratuitous opinion can be safely ignored.

Dr Francis Cassar

Mar 8th 2009, 09:16

@KevinCassar

The accused pleaded "guilty". The magistrate had no choice but to proceed to pass a sentence that was eminently just as a warning without being harsh.

I would more careful before accusing others of being "feeble minded".

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 8th 2009, 09:04

For goodness' sake let us leave Sweden and its contented inhabitants to enjoy their "mores" and their heaven on earth and let us return to the subject of this topic.

P Muscat

Mar 8th 2009, 08:30

As many have pointed out earlier there were many other illegal acts which have been ignored during the carnival at Nadur. There were serious acts of vandalism on public and private property, defecation and vomitting of all flavours on doorsteps, stealing of cars and motorcyles, tonnes of littering and use of illicit drugs. Perhaps action will be taken against these too but I haven't heard much so far.

However taxpayers' money is spent on rounding up a few young unfortunate people who did a stupid joke once. The police and judges have to act according to the present law - even if I (and perhaps they) think it doesn't make sense. Still, I believe that being found guilty in court is out of proportion to such a minor offence.

Will the church people excommunicate these guys? I don't expect that for two reasons. One is that it is cheaper for the church to (ab)use the legal system, overburdened as it is, and force it to waste our taxes. Second, excommunication will mean exclusion of these guys from religious functions such as marriage in church, baptisms and funerals which provide so much profit to the local priests.

David Abela

Mar 8th 2009, 07:35

For crying out loud, the so called pathetic bishops got offended by someone dressed up as Jesus.

Why dont the bishops look at themselves in the mirror and address the issue were priests / nuns took advantage on innocent children. No need to go into the story as all the info is available.

If they did not like what they saw, that is their problem. They chose to live a useless and pathetic live after all..

Noel Cutajar

Mar 8th 2009, 00:38

According to the Criminal Code denigrating other religions - one gets a lesser punishment than the Roman Catholic...blind justice.

cassar i

Mar 7th 2009, 23:19

12 points go to John Lauri. well done.

E.Vella

Mar 7th 2009, 23:12

I don't care what the Swedish do, for I'm Maltese. To be against who insult a religion means you are intelligent and well educated, and you show not just tolerance but respect others beliefs. Freedom of Speech and other similar are not there to be used freely, but to be used with grave responsability.

In a civilized society I agree in spearation between religion and state, but on the other hand I don't agree with a state who denies from were he derives as human being and leave for example such "idiots" offend the religion that make our people, a country to past history.

Just imagine Malta without Christianity...much must be given to Christianity in our country...maybe some are denying there faith but many still follows...and even few people are Christians we shall always respect majorities and minorities...ALWAYS

A Attard

Mar 7th 2009, 23:02

Dr Frances Saliba: No doubt, what the young man did was indeed in bad taste; however, to use some archaic law, which should not even be on the books in the first place, in order to prosecute and make a scapegoat out of someone IS anarchy! I wonder how much "religious sentiments" truly played a part in all this or whether it had more to do with the vanity, hypocricy and autocratic overbearingness of those who instigated the prosecution, or should I say, persecution. Those who truly want the law to be observed can't afford to be selective. Few words for the wise!

James De Giorgio

Mar 7th 2009, 22:40

John Lauri, admit it, your first comment was too extreme and has drawn a negative reaction. Sweden is not Malta. I remember my swedish students telling me that in Sweden, it's not polite to discuss politics in public. It's a different mentality.

Nahseb qed thallat il-hass mal-pitravi siehbi.

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 21:47

John Lauri : Suicide is something of personal choice, an unfortunate choice of civil liberty, but still a liberty !
________________________________
Wow x'prospettiva dik VIVA L-LIBERTA Socjeta artificjali,Prosit ma thossokx kburi wkoll. Nisthajjel l-isvedizi kkantaw Nghidu Iva ghas-suwicidju l-ghazla taghna.

Kwazi kwazi b'ragunament hekk bazwi, jekk qatt ikolli naghzel bejn il-knisja tal-qassisin korrotti u din it-tip tas-socjeta nispicca b'ta l-ewwel ghax ahjar haj milli mejjet.
Issa biex jien nasal nghid dan vera trid tkun l-ahhar tad-dinja. Nies b'mentalita bla sens wasluni biex naqbel mal-knisja(fuq din ha nkun cari), ghax jghajru l-knisja w huma aktar intolleranti minnha w jippretendu li huma liberali mentri l-verita jaharbu minnha ghax mhux komda.

Nerga nghidlek fuq din il-kwistjoni tal-karnival il-knisja ghandha mitt elf ragun hadd u qatt ma tista toffendi lil haddiehor ghax hemm jispicca l-limitu tad-decenza. Forsi L-isvezja m'hemmx dan il-limitu imma jien nigi naqa w nqum, u xorta wahda nibqa nghid il-verita u mhux ninhebba wara toothpick biex ikolli argument mall-knisja.

Isbah mill-verita m'hawn xejn u jekk il-knisja, Gonzi, Mohammed, Muscat jew il-farfett ikollhom ragun dak ghandhom jiehdu w mhux insibu SKUZi jew forsi l-verita twegga!!!!!!!!!!

Kevin Cassar

Mar 7th 2009, 21:28

@ Dr Francis Saliba....
This court decision stinks badly and I'll explain why. First of all if the magistrate is a catholic then his decision is biased and should not stand. Secondly the accused did not offend any real person but wore a "uniform". Now if wearing something associated with a certain profession or way of life is illegal, then all costumes would be banned. Let me give another example for the feeble minded, just like the priests' way of life is represented by their habit, the way of life of a punk, rocker or hippie is represented by their clothing which is seen in all the carnivals. I have never heard any of these claim offense and the court never prosecuted anyone for making fun of these. Two ways, two measures - just like everything else in this rotten, biased and corrupt country.

James Grima

Mar 7th 2009, 21:27

@ Charles Falzon

"No religion should be made fun of. He could have chosen some other subject . Unless, he was not in need of some attention."

May I ask why is that? I for one think that religions are a joke of societies, so don't i have my freedom of speech to comply with?

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 21:22

@ Dr Francis Saliba.

FYI : I do not despise Malta or even hate it the way you so haughtily claim ! I simply dislike the ignorance and backward, medieval mentality which still permeates in Malta. I see nothing much has changed in the last 30 years - certainly a strong point for consistency, however negative.

P.S. no country should have an official religion. Religion should be simply a private matter of belief between an individual and his / her God and not a dictate of a government / state. Hence the separation of church and state !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 21:06

@ Mr Bonnici.

Unfortunately, we do not as yet, have an official Nudism Day in Sweden. I will ask my local MP to see if he can push for it in the next Riksdag session. I will let you know of the outcome !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 21:01

@ C Busutil.

Yes, the gay community has EVERY right to speak out against the church and its bigotry towards the gay community. Homophobia is a form of hate directed at members of society, whose sexual orientation is different by NO CHOICE of their own !

As long as homophobia persists, then the gay community will respond in a way that speaks loudly and clearly that it treats such hatred towards it with CONTEMPT !

Once more... we digress !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 20:55

@ Edward Bonnici....

You digress from the argument !

In any case, please feel free to walk down the street naked if you so desire ! It certainly would not bother me. After all you were born naked like the rest of us... so nothing new there ! I just hope you have a body that is worth for me to look at and admire. if not, then rather than objecting to your nudity, I will look the other way !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 20:47

@ J Micallef.

You weren't there, I WAS !

And yes a man wearing a a costume to represent Mohammed was also accompanied by 2 people dressed as women in Arabian Hijab & burqas to represent the oppression of women and their basic rights in certain Islamic countries. In addition to this on the same float, was an imitation scaffold of the gallows to represent Iran's oppressive regime and treatment towards gays in Iran and certain other muslim countries !

Once again, I was there to see this and you were NOT ! Prove me wrong sir !!!! Shoudl you need further evidence of such, then I suggest you contact the Editor in chief of the Swedish newspaper QX at www.qx.se They will provide you the photographic images of the above, which will then disprove your doubts !

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 7th 2009, 20:46

@JohnLauri

No one is denying you the right to express any opinion no matter how foolish, how unpatriotic and how hostile it is to the official religion of your country of origin. I was only inviting you to continue to do so from your distant beloved Sweden and not from inside your native land that you despise with so much hate. That should suit your superiority complex and it would also certainly suit most of your compatriots still living in this "medieval and backward" country. Thanking you in advance.

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 20:25

@John Lauri

Prince harry wasn't prosecuted for a very simple reason he's the nephew of the Queen. Don't try to downplay the upset he caused because even the israeli government complained.

I challenge anybody go to Israel dressed as a nazi I look forward to see their sense of humour . Don't tell me they have every right to be offended but catholics or muslims no. two weights two measures.

Gays ridicule the church in their parades, for you thats ok, but if some religious be it the Pope or an Iman speaks against them as they say in Italian "Apriti cielo" gays have rights to ridicule and religious can't open their mouths because they are labelled homophobic.
Making fun of Jesus or Mohammed is ok, to hell those who have them at hearts, why should we bother about their feelings. Respect and decency are not taken into consideration.

I have 20 valid grudges against the church however it will never cross my mind to offend the religious sentiments of christians or of any other religion. Is it so difficult to understand Your attitude is that of a taliban and not viceversa.

Edward Bonnici

Mar 7th 2009, 20:23

@ John Lauri

I have been looking for a gentleman like you to answer two questions please John.
I guess u have a nuidism day in Sweden-right? Do u call this civilized society? If so, when was nudism day celebrations invented, 10, 20, 30 years ago?
What would you say about the African, Asian, and south American tripe that lives in the nude for thousands of years before Sweden? Mela we should call them Extra civilized are presume!
Over there u do have females too, right? Are they open minded and civilized? I guess yes
Can you please inform me how much a f/male can get bared to be considered closed, open or a Jared minded, civilized or uncivilized? I have the measure tape and I will write down!
Thanks John- from Malta with love

mari zammit

Mar 7th 2009, 20:21

"Many people think they have religion when they are troubled with dyspepsia."

J Micallef

Mar 7th 2009, 20:19

@ C Busuttil

Toqghodx tinkwieta man...
int possibbli emmint li fl-Isvezia libsu ta' Muhammed?? L-iktar bl-eluf ta' musulmani li dejjem jizdiedu fl-iskandinavia! Li forsi kien hemm xi hadd minnhom libes xi kostum Gharbi nasal biex nemmen, u xorta ghandi dubji kbar ghax hemm fuq kulhadd b'denbu bejn saqajh malli ssemmilhom l-islam! Ibqa cert li m'hu veru xejn li libsu ta' Muhammed u lanqas se jilbsu.

@Melvin Barbara, meta trid iddahhak habib hemm hafna kostumi x'tista tilbes bla ma toffendi lil hadd u ddahhak xorta... u xorta tista' tohrog ta' hero ma shabek.

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 20:11

@John Lauri

The Danish maybe not but Norwegian government did, extract from the statement issued

" the publication of a few cartoons in the Norwegian paper Magazinet has caused unrest among Muslims. I fully understand that these drawings are seen to give offence by Muslims worldwide. Your faith has the right to be respected by us.

The cartoons in the paper Magazinet are not constructive in building the
bridges which are necessary between people with different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Instead they contribute to suspicion and unnecessary conflict.

Let it be clear that the Norwegian government condemns every expression or act which expresses contempt for people on the basis of their religion or ethnic origin. Norway has always supported the fight of the UN against religious intolerance and racism, and believes that this fight is important in order to avoid suspicion and conflict. Tolerance, mutual respect and dialogue are the basis values of Norwegian society and of our foreign policy.

Freedom of expression is one of the pillars of Norwegian society. This includes tolerance for opinions that not everyone shares. At the same time our laws and our international obligations enforce restrictions for incitement to hatred or hateful expressions.

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 20:10

@ C Busuttil : re your quote "Fuq l-islam taf ghalfejn taghmlu hekk ghax ghadhom ma jafux ghax la darba jkunu jafu Alla maghkom ghax bir-re u bir-regina ghalkubtejhom tispiccaw. Issa naghmel kif trid taghmel int fuq Malta, insib bosta websites islamici w nghidilhom halli jaghmlu BOYCOTT l-Isvezja."

We have a large muslim population in Sweden.. certainly much more than Malta has. In fact Sweden takes in 20,000 asylum seekers from Musilm countires EVERY YEAR, spkit as follows in 2007 : 15,000 refugees from Iraq, 3,000 refugees / migrants from Syria, the rest are split from Lebanon, Turkey, Iran.

We even have a Ministry of Integration here, and all immigrants from these countries are educated in the Swedish culture, way of Life, Freedom of Expression, they are enrolled into schools to learn the Swedish language and taught that this is a LAY state with TOTAL separation of religion and state, that fundamentalism / religious extremism here is discouraged and if they do not liek this swedish way of life, it is their privilge to leave Sweden !

P.S. Mr Busutill : If I faint in the street in Stockholm, I WILL get assistance!

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 19:54

@ Dr Francis Saliba.

As a Maltese citizen like you, I have the right to express my opinion and criticism on issues taking place in Malta, whether you like it or not !

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 19:42

@John lauri
1)Hemm int ma stajtx issib wara xiex tinhebba, biex tohodha kontra l-knisja mghandekx ghalfejn tinqeda bil-karnival. Dak huwa l-punt tieghi.
Issa billi gejt tghidli fuq is-satira fuq ir-Re u Regina imma fl-ebda hin ma jipprovaw iweggaw kif sar hawn.
2) l-inglizi jghixu fil-medjuevu irrispondi ? jew tilbes ta' nazist mhux offensiv ghalik ? filkaz mur l-israel libes hekk ha nara fejn huwa sense of humour taghhom u jekk ma tispiccax PROSECUTED. Ghalik forsi jekk tilbes ta' kristu x'fiha billi toffendi miljuni ohra ta' bnedmin Mhux hekk ras!!!!!

3)Fuq il-gayparade m'ghandi xejn kontrihom anke jekk ma naqbilx maghhom imma Alla hares x'hadd jghid kontra taghhom ghax hemm ma tibqax liberta ta' espressjoni.

4)Fuq l-islam taf ghalfejn taghmlu hekk ghax ghadhom ma jafux ghax la darba jkunu jafu Alla maghkom ghax bir-re u bir-regina ghalkubtejhom tispiccaw. Issa naghmel kif trid taghmel int fuq Malta, insib bosta websites islamici w nghidilhom halli jaghmlu BOYCOTT l-Isvezja.
5)Tantx tkun kburi b'dak li ssir nerga nghidlek mghandekx dritt twaqqa ghac-cajt li hadd anke ma dawk li ma taqbilx maghhom. Dakhuwa il-punt
Haga ohra bosta svedizi li jghixu Malta jghidulek li f'pajjizhom jekk ihossok hazin fit-triq hemm ihalluk, mentri hawn issib l-ghajnuna, DikCivilta Prosit

John lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 19:30

@ Joseph Scicluna :

What precisely has suicide got to do with being civilized ? Please enlighten me !

AGAIN YOU GOT YOUR FACTS WRONG ! The country with the highest rates of suicide, happens to be our neighbour Finland. Sweden comes in at second place..... and no-one here gives a toss about it. Suicide is something of personal choice, an unfortunate choice of civil liberty, but still a liberty !

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 7th 2009, 19:26

@JohnLauri

You are there and we are here. Let us keep it that way.

John lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 19:26

@ Joseph Scicluna :

Queen Silvia and the entire Royal family here are ridiculed every week on TV in a satirical programme called Parlamentet. It is also known that the Royal family watch it and find the satire directed at them amusing. Even King Carl XV Gustaf, has commented on the funny side of the programme. The same programme ridiules the prime minister and other ploiticans. NO-ONE IS PROSECUTED

Queen Silva is also ridiculed for the want of a better word, by the nespapers constanly !! She is either refered to as Siliva (without her royal title) or more paradoxicaly as"The German" in the newspapers !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 19:23

@ C Busutil. contd.

.. we do have freedom of speech and self-expression in Sweden and certainly it seems a lot more sense of humour than you have in Malta.

Fact : The Danish Government refused to step into the Mohammed cartoons row, and the Danish police offered protection to the journalist who depicted the cartoons, against the threats of the fanatics. It is considered an absolute civil right for the media to express itself without censorship !

Fact . The Swedish nespapers also printed the same cartoons... no-one seems bothered by it.... AGAIN CONSIDERED FREEDOM OF SPEECH HERE.

Fact : Prince Harry wore a nazi costume at a fancy-dress party.. The media hghlighted it, certain members of the public were upset by it. HOWEVER he was NOT prosecuted !!! He merely apologized to those upset by it, and was NOT forced to do so ! Apologizing was merely a PR stunt he did, due to his elevated satus in UK society. And no, the UK is not as backwards as Malta is today, because neither Harry was prosecuted in the courts nor anyone else wearing a costume, however offensive it may seem !

John Lauri

Mar 7th 2009, 19:09

@ C Busutil.

Fact 1: Queen Silvia and the entire Royal family here are ridiculed every week on TV in a satirical programme called Parlamentet. It is also known that the Royal family watch it and find the satire directed at them amusing. Even King Carl XV Gustaf, has commented on the funny side of the programme. The same programme ridiules the prime minister and other ploiticans. NO-ONE IS PROSECUTED

Fact 2: In Sweden, we can wear whatever we want and imitate whom we want, without fear of prosecution. Case proven : During Gay Pride parade in July August every year in Stockholm, Paraders have worn costumes of nuns, priests and even dressed up as the Pope, to highlight the ridiulusness of the catholic church and its bigotry towards the gay community, to the amusement of the massive crowd ( paraders = 100,000, street audience = 480,000 in August 2008). NO-ONE IS PROSECUTED.

Fact 3: At the same Parade, people have worn costumes imitating Mohammed and satiring Islam's and its sharia laws towards homosexuality. NO-ONE IS PROSECUTED.

5,000 police officers cover the parade, for the paraders and audience street safety. No-one is arrested by them (contd....)

Fact :

Joseph Scicluna

Mar 7th 2009, 19:08

john lauri. your dear sweden is so much civilsed that it has the highest rate of suicides in the world. if you are not a coward take the suggestion of c.busuttil and try to make fun of the queen.

S. Vella

Mar 7th 2009, 19:07

I see the fundementalists get their way again who while crying for this man's head, ignore the amounts of drugs present in Gozo on that weekend.
Let's waste the police and courts' time because they got offended that someone put on a "sacred" habit (sic)!

Can anyone prove to me that this habit was sacred? I'm dying to have a laugh at your expense.

Welcome to Afghanistan in the Mediterranean!

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 18:35

@John Lauri

FL-ISVEZJA tant civili tieghek mid-dehra tant hija civili li tista toffendi s-sentimenti ta' dak li jkun. Mid-dehra wkoll mhemmx limitu sa fejn tista tasal anke jekk il-verita mhix hekk kif qieghed tpingi ghax nies jigu minni l-Isvezja ghandi.
Ghaliex ukoll kif qieghed l-Isvezja ma taqbiz qabza sad-Danimarka w tara ftit kemm hija civili wara li offendiet s-sentimenti religjuzi tal-musulmana. Ma regghux ghamluha w ammettew li zbaljaw. Nahseb jekk tohrog twaqqa ghar-redikolu r-Regina Silvia kulhadd jifrahlek tal-gest li tkun ghamilt u kemm ghandek sens ta' satira. Isma minni ibqa fejn int u jekk tisthi li int Malti affarik, imma sens ta' decenza ha ssibu anki fil-Burundi. Fl-Ingilterra n-neputi tar-regina kellu jitlob skuzi talli libes ta' nazist ghax offenda is-sentimenti ta' bosta w hadd ma ghamel panigirku kif qed taghmel fuq il-liberta ta' l-espressjoni. Tghidlix l-inglizi qeghdin jghixu fil-medjuevu wkoll ghax skond ir-ragunament bazwi tieghek dik mhux liberta. Tghildix ukoll li ta' nazist offensiv imma kristu karnivalesk mhux.
Jien mal-knisja ma narax ghajn m'ghajn imma ma tistax toffendi lil hadd u jekk ma jkunx hemm limitu skond int tista twaqqa ghaz-zuffejt anke min huwa handikappat bl-iskuza "fuq kollox mhux joke"

Dr Francis Saliba

Mar 7th 2009, 18:30

This suspended sentence is an appropriate mild warning that the police and the judicial system are saying "enough is enough" to any similar recurrences in the future. It is a demonstration of compassion par excellence and the only effective means when dealing with irresponsible, irreligious and illegal behaviour. It is the only one likely to be effective when dealing with people who show no respect for the feelings of the majority and for the law of the land. The alternative is chaos and anarchy.

Jennifer Soames

Mar 7th 2009, 18:13

Yes, i agree, the state needs a sense of humours ESPECIALLY in Carnival - otherwise everyday would be like Lent.

Karen Camilleri

Mar 7th 2009, 18:04

So if someone dressed up as Judas the Iscariot, would the bishop be offended? ....because if not, that could be an alternative to wearing Jesus clothes.

John lauri (Sweden)

Mar 7th 2009, 17:53

I intend to bring this ridiculous farce to the attention of the media in the civilized EU country I live in. I want to highlight to them and expose to its readers, what a medieval, backward country Malta still is and how it is basically run under the dictatorial fist of the catholic church. I will also be discouraging foreign tourists from coming to a country that is 2 centuries behind the rest of the EU, when it comes to civil liberties. Why should progressive, civilized, lay countries support a nation run by religious fanatical fundamentalists ?!

As a Maltese ex-pat, I am disgusted to read that this young man was brought to court on these ridiculous charges. It makes me asahmed to be maltese !

It is high time, the bishops themselves are brought to account about their abuse of authority and the abuse committed by members of their church on innocent others. Something the catholic church excels at, sweeping under the rug !

Kemm ghada lura Malta. Really sad that the maltese judicial authorites bowed to the dictates of 2 bishops.

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Mar 7th 2009, 17:30

@ Joseph Scerri,

Ms. Emma Xerri is spot on with this one Joseph.

Read about Wlodimir Ledochowski's involvement with fermenting the last 30 years war in the 20th century.

There is more than meets the eye.

rene joseph

Mar 7th 2009, 17:19

Th State just needs a sense of humour.

andrei vella laurenti

Mar 7th 2009, 16:22

I have now removed my trilby for an afghan pakol...

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 16:20

@Joseph A Borg
Jien bniedem tal-punt ma ninhebbiex wara ebda skuza. Ghoxrin sena ilu rajt qassis jaghmel persekuzzjoni politika fuq bniedem, li lanqas jien ma kont naqbel mieghu politikalment. Biss meta rajt dan u ma qbiltx ma dak li kien qed issir ma bzajtx u mort fuq il-qassis quddiem kulhadd u ghedtlu li jekk ma kienx ser jieqaf konna ser inkorru bl-ikrah. Taf kemm gew hbieb ta' l-istess kulur jghiduli biex inhallieh mhux kontra wiehed li mhux maghna. Jien bniedem tal-punt il-hazin dejjem jibqa hazin u mhux meta jaqbel lilli. L-ONESTA ghandha tkun l-ewwelnett mieghek innifsek. Ir-ragun jista jkun anke ta' min ma naqblux mieghu ghax imkellha ghandkom mentalita li taghmel gieh lil Stalin jew Hitler
Mall-knisja nerga nghid ma naqbilx u soffrejt hafna minn naha taghhom biss fejn ghandhom ragun dak taghhom. Dawn kollha skuzi taghkom tas-satira u tal-karnival. Hemm argumenti ohra validi fuq xiex tohduha kontra l-knisja imma li twegga s-sentimenti religjuzi anke ta' dawk li lilli personali ghamluli l-hsara HAZIN.
Skond intom KRISTU HUWA KOSTUM TAL-KARNIVAL JEW HAGA KARNIVALESKA, xejn anqas u xejn aktar. L-anqas il-buddisti jew il-musulmana ma jahsbuha bhal psuedo liberali tal-konvenjenza.
Karnival jew halloween dejjem hemm limitu ghad-decenza anke ma minn jaqbilx maghna.

Bobby Albrecht

Mar 7th 2009, 16:08

@L Zammit It was obviously an ironic joke.

Joe Fenech

Mar 7th 2009, 15:59

This is the state of a rock that has never been through the Enlightment!

Emma Xerri

Mar 7th 2009, 15:59

@Joseph Scerri

That depends on what history you are referring to. The real history or the one that they teach you in school.

I bet you will not find the book "the Vicars of Christ" by Peter de Rosa in any Catholic school curriculum or any school for that matter.

The point you are missing is that the Church is not some an innocuous entity, put a political powerhouse that needs to be reckoned with. In fact, it is doing just as it did during the Inquisition, getting the secular arm of the Law to do its bidding.

As to what Jesus said, this too is suspect, since the Gospels have been written, edited and re-written many times.

Matthew Gatt

Mar 7th 2009, 15:24

Once again, a bunch of people with an opinion missing the point. And here the point is not freedom of speech, freedom of religion, or freedom to not practice a religion. The point here is that the accused wore a "sacred habit" without permission!!

Satire is a powerful and expressive tool to which every individual has a right. But there is a fine line between satire and denigrating the real. Satire is about simulating the real and reinventing its context such that for those few moments the individual is freed of the constraints of traditionalist thinking. Denigrating the real can lead to anarchy.

As an illustration: should we wear real police uniforms in carnival parades, should we take live guns when we dress up as cowboys, and should we wear original Nazi uniforms when attempting war-period satire? Surely we can be a little bit more creative, and a bit more sensitive than that...

L Zammit

Mar 7th 2009, 15:20

@ Greg Pennock

"Thank God I am an aetheist!" ............ and why should you thank GOD for being an atheist? How can you thank someone for not believing in him? By thanking God, you're simply admitting that you believe in Him or else I simply cannot understand your statement. Wake up and explain to us please!!!!!!!!!!

Kaydee Zammit

Mar 7th 2009, 15:04

@ J Farrugia
I don't think it's relevant who I hang out with. I too am a Roman Catholic, and I would never dress like that; however, I hardly think it's appropriate to tarnish a person's conduct because of this. Come on! It does not mean that because of his costume he was not respecting the religion - if I dressed up as a businesswoman would that mean that I was making fun of them? Hardly! Once again, I apologize for the James business - I honestly don't know how I made up the name.

J. Schembri

Mar 7th 2009, 14:55

@ Philip Pace, and Joseph A Borg :"I wonder if this would happen in the Viareggio or Venice carnival" . I can answer that question easily " such crude behaviour is NEVER seen in those Carnivals , because they are held in a civilised way .You wouldn't see that in Bridgwater Somerset neither."
"skontok is-satira u l-umoriżmu m'għandhomx post fis-soċjetà "Nobody is free to ridicule or hurt other people's feelings , under the disguise of satire or so called humour.That is why there are laws which have to be respected .
There are majority rights which have to be respected.

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 14:39

@Joe Xuereb
illi ma nidhol il-knisja fuq 20sena imma nerga nghidlek mghandix bzonn ta' SKUZI biex nghid dan, jien kontra il-knisja fuq 95% ta' l-affarijiet imma ma ninhebbiex wara toothpick biex nattakka. Fuq din il-kwistjoni ghandhom ragun m'ghandkex dritt twaqqa ghac-cajt li hadd Is-sena d-diehla taf x'ghandek taghmel ilbes tal-profetta u mur quddiem il-moskeja ta' kordin ha nara ftit kemm ghandhom sense of humour, u nghidlek minn issa li jkollhom elf ragun tkun xi tkun ir-reazzjoni taghhom.

Konfuzzjoni qed taghmel int biex tiehu l-oppurtunita anke jekk m'ghandekx ragun biex tikkritika lil qassisin. Onesta tfisser dejjem u mhux meta jaqbilek ghalhekk m'intix kredibbli fuq dan il-kaz.
Int u min huwa bhalek tahsbu li tistaw titkellmu fuq kollox ghandkom ragun fuq kollox biss hadd ma jista ma jaqbilx maghkom ghax mohhu maghluq tal-medjuevu etc etc. Mhux hekk nibqaw, anzi vera l-knisja nies kwieti ghandha ghax kieku kienu ohrajn tghidx pandimonju kienu jaghmlu. Mur gieb kieku x'hadd iwaqqa ghac-cajt lil x'hadd tal-familja taghkom b'xi difett li jista jkollu fi zmien il-Karnival, malajr titilfuh s-sense of humour.
Rispett dejjem ghandu jkun fil-hajja anke ma min ma' taqbilx mieghu f'dan il-kaz il-qassisin. Il-kwistjoni kollha hija wahda ta' rispett u mhux tinqeda bil-karnival niex twegga.

Joseph A Borg

Mar 7th 2009, 14:23

@ C.Busuttil: skontok is-satira u l-umoriżmu m'għandhomx post fis-soċjetà? Fejn se nasslu issa? Dalwaqt nispiċċaw fil-banalità li ma' tistax twaqqa għaċ-ċajt xi annimal għax iqumu għalik tal-PETA!!!!!

Fejn se naslu ġbin? Nispera li taqbel miegħi li d-dritt li tieħu għalik m'għandux ikun protett bil-liġi. Inkella se nispiċċaw li l-bully jirbaħ bi dritt. Tiftakar x'kienet l-iskuża tal-bully meta ħebb għal xi żvinturat?: "Imma Miss dak it-tifel kien qed jiddieħak bija!"

Joe Xuereb

Mar 7th 2009, 14:13

@ C. Busuttil. You do not go to church but you defend it. Sitting on the fence comes to mind. And you don't go to church because what, you prefer to spend your time pursuing your pleasures or what? Something does not add up. I would recommend 'Confused.com'.

Honesty?! You haven't got a clue.

oliver Cini

Mar 7th 2009, 14:11

this is simply an arrogant act from the Authorities we have freedom of speech and why he is offering someone? personally i think that by freedom of expression people should be free and wear what they like so it ok seeing people wearing fun stuff and a person wearing something representing something that not all Maltese are just easy offended by. I understand the church pointing out at him but i don't understand our Justice taking action about it. so this country is for roman catholic people only? are we using this fact as a means of discrimination against people who don't really care about it?

I have been forced to be roman catholic when i was young i purely don't see a point in calling me catholic since i never had the choice any many others in Malta who knows if rules had to be changed. to people really have an option. also we should stop some of the tv programs from other Italian channels. Morals with two weights and two measures that is how i see it... but it doesn't mean i am right.

Joseph A Borg

Mar 7th 2009, 14:05

of what use is religion if you cannot make fun of it?!

This is just another nail in religion's coffin. A patriarchal prima-donna that cannot take humour. I cannot understand people who believe they have an all-powerful god at their side are the same people with a pathetically weak constitution and cannot take some satire. The church is the biggest atheist around: if they really believed god was so powerful, they would be unfazed by all this criticism. It's funny how the local religionists cannot rise above petty satire and instead resort to bullying!

The New Testament shows a Jesus that gives the other cheek when hit, but the catholic church cannot stand some humour! What a farce!!!

C.Busuttil

Mar 7th 2009, 13:31

@J.Abdilla
L-isbah haga fid-dinja hija l-onesta f'kollox, Jekk kwistjoni bhal din kienet bizejjed ghalik biex tbghiedt iktar mill-knisja jiddispjacini imma fidi tal-lastiku kellek. Jien la knisja ma nmur u lanqas naqbel maghha kwazi f'xejn, imma ta' l-anqas ghandi l-onesta li nghid li dan zbalja ghax m'ghandekx dritt QATT twaqqa ghac-cajt ebda religjon. Nahseb taf kemm ikun hawn minn jiehu gost kieku fil-karnival nilbes ta' xi persuna b'xi mankament aktar u aktar jekk ikun xi familjari jew habib u nghidilkom mhux il-karnival nista nilbes li jrid mghandkomx sense of humour.
Minn huwa nisrani ghandu kull dritt jinsab offiz. Kieku kien musulman kollha kemm intom li qeghdin tilbghabuha ta' liberali titolbu biex jigi misjub hati jekk ma titolbux ghomru l-habs. Nerga nghid jien knisja ma nmurx imma fuq din il-knisja ghandha ragun u mhemmx hafna tidwir mal-lewza jekk tridu okkazjoni biex taghmlu gwerra mall-knisja ghandkom bosta affarijiet ohra fuq xiex imma din le.

J Abdilla

Mar 7th 2009, 12:55

Bazikament, dan iz zaghzugh thassritlu l kondotta ghal ghomru. Setghu tawh multa facilment, u forsi kien jasal il-messagg. Inhaffuhuom il kazijiet tal qorti fejn irridu....ara fejn jidhlu illegalitajiet ohra, iktar gravi (hafna drabi li jsiru minn nies tal glekk u l-ingravata)....hemmek le, ftit nies jitkellmu.

Sincerament, ma nafx ghalxiex iridu jaslu l awtoritaijeit tal-Knisja u l-Puluzija. Minghalihom ha jgibu n nies eqreb lejn il knisja? Nitkellem ghalija, jien izjed tbeighidt. Il Mulej probabbli beda jidhak x hin ra il kostumi ta dawn it-talin, imma issa spicca jibki.

Li kieku kellu jinzel kristu fid-dinja illum, il-Knisja stess terga' ssallbu.
Nispera li dan il kumment ma jinkriminaniex issa.

S. Camilleri

Mar 7th 2009, 12:34

Nothing was mentioned as to what this person was doing other then 'dressing up as Jesus Christ'. Did he just have a wrap around? Was he carrying out denigrating acts. Given the sentence, I would say he was..... Otherwise we'd be just another Ayatollah country

Andrew Gatt

Mar 7th 2009, 11:48

Why not burn him at the stake too, while you're at it? Puts the Taliban to shame, too!!

Joe Borg

Mar 7th 2009, 10:53

So it's illegal to wear a sacred habit (priests/nuns) without permission. Can the authorities inform the public of the number of permits issued to schools organising plays/concerts with the dressing up of priests, nuns,navy and military uniforms ??? Sister Act is one for example...

philip pace

Mar 7th 2009, 10:24

What a medieval attitude.

I wonder if this would happen in the Viareggio or Venice carnival or any other European civilised country would the Archbishops of the same places take the revellers who 'denigrated' the Roman Catholic religion?

Doesn't that smell of a deep rooted fundamentalism?


Let us be clear about this and do not mix the argument as what usually happens on these pages.
Are we really a democratic country?
Do we really have freedom of expression?


I am sure that if the man involved would appeal to the European Court he would win the case.

We are so behind our democratic friendly nations.

Chris Finch

Mar 7th 2009, 10:13

This case wouldn't be out of place next to the scene in Monty Python's Life of Brian where a man is stoned to death for saying;
'This piece of halibut is good enough for Jehova' - 'BLASPHEMOR!'
Welcome to Catholicism in the 21st century.

Joseph Scerri

Mar 7th 2009, 09:58

Re Emma Xerri's Comment

I think she needs to take a history class, to understand the legacy left by the Catholic church.
If she is skeptical, she should refer to Jesus own words when teaching about the priests of his time. "Obey what they tell you, but don't act like them".

J Farrugia

Mar 7th 2009, 09:49

fejn iridu dawn iz-zewgt icuh jafu jitghajru li kattoliku ghandhu jdawwar wiccu n-naha l-ohra ha jaqla tumakka ohra. bl-iskuza tal-imhabba tal-proxxmu, forsi hasbu li ahna fidili!. Jiena qaddis minix imma jekk jiena rrid immur mal-familja ingawdi karnival san, bhal ma kien tan-nadur u jigu xi erba pulcinelli oxxeni u bl-oxxenita taghhom (bhal dak li thalla jidher fil-gazzetta It0-Torca tal-hadd li ghadda), hemmhekk nigbed il-linja. Hadd mghandhu dritt joffendi lil hadd. ahseb u ara tilbes ta' Kristu u taghmel parodija bih, minghalikom. Dawn is-salt anti klerikali li qed jiktbu cuccati ghax minghalihom progressivi u ewropej iktar mill-ewropej, u avvanzati iktar mill-qamar, allura nghid li kellu ragun San PAwl jghid li din hija l-bluha tal-ghorrief. Jiddefendi azzjoni mahmuga u jmorru kontra dak li huwa sew. Ma nehodiex bi kbira li hawn din il-persekuzzjoni fina kontra l-Knisja Kattolika. Fl-Ewropa il-fundamentalisti ewropej ma hellewx lit-taljan Rocco Buttiglione isir Kummissarju Ewropew ghax huwa KATTOLIKU PRATTIKANTI. Fil-parlament ewropew dan, fejn hemm nies korrotti, mill-kamp liberali u hodor li kollha ghandhom agenda personali. S'hawn wasslet il-persekuzzjoni kontra l-insara u dawn ta' Malta jridu jaghtuna lezzjonijiet fil-moralita' li huma stess l-inqas jafu xi tfisser. U lil min qalli James, nghidilha ghidli ma min taghmilha u nghidlek x'int.

Charles Sammut

Mar 7th 2009, 09:38

@ Josef Caruana
"I am pretty sure that if this man appealed to the European Court about the Maltese law going against his freedom of expression he would win his case."

Yes, I agree 100%. But, the time and money needed to do that puts justice beyond the reach of the common mortal. So even if justice is blind, it is only available to those who can afford it. And even then, it sometimes takes a peek under the blindfold.

The law on the other hand is an ass and it is not that difficult to fool an ass.

Eric Camilleri

Mar 7th 2009, 09:35

The global Islamic community is in shock ! They can't beleive we can do it too !!!

Hopefully the Catholic Church should clarify if the prosecution was instigated by its Institution, which I hope it was not.

I Alamango

Mar 7th 2009, 08:45

how come the court identified this person as having the same 'looks' as jesus or the apostles?

And how come these court cases are promptly taken to court and name is identified and when there is a case of abuses from the clergy on children.. we never know the name?and no right penalty is ever given?

The church is doing anything to bring people aware of its teachings and to make up for the lost followers during years.

U halluwna!!!

Matthew Frendo

Mar 7th 2009, 08:36

Well done law courts, laws are there to be observed. Secondly, to those who said it's a 'pity' or other nonesense, if someone insulted you or your family you would be pissed off right? If that would have happened you would have created a furore, but when it comes to God some seems not to care. This implicates the degragation of our society i.e. everything passes. I guess the advice of the Bishops at the beginning of lent wasn't heeded i.e. to make a proper reflection of our lives. This will lead to several pitfuls and people will realise when its too late. I see this assault on Christianity as modern day persecution and it's time to stand up and be counted, we cannot allow those who want to do things there way and as they think so to destroy the good of others.

ceri whitley

Mar 7th 2009, 07:49

Carnival in Malta - revellers arrested for dressing up. 'Offending Roman Catholics'

Paceville Malta - foreign students arrested for running around in shorts. (remember that case last year?) 'Offending Public Decency'

Fancy spending a holiday in Malta?

Prosit Malta.

Martin Ellul

Mar 7th 2009, 07:47

So now the bishops are satisfied now.

Living in 2009, such a long time since Lascaris's times one can hardly understand what is the meaning of 'habit'!!
Is it some form of habit on how a priest can be a bit too friendly to some 'boys'?
Nowadays, only but a few priests wear their 'habit' (il-liebsa)- so why all this fuss?

And also, this reminds me of: 'Lil-Gahan mhux il-liebsa ghamlitu nies' or some thing similar.

Stefan Azzopardi

Mar 7th 2009, 07:24

I thin that a warning would have been more than enough. There are many other serious law infringements which should be given suspended sentences. Let's not give a Fundamentalistic image our our religion.

Ian Chetcuti

Mar 7th 2009, 07:08

@J Farrugia
Could you please tell us whether the Gozitan priest, who admitted having an intimate relationship with the young Senator Foley in the US, should spend a life time in prison too. Or should we forgive him just because this happened a long time ago?

Joseph Sammut

Mar 7th 2009, 07:01

@R. Spiteri: OH SO THE MAJORITY OF GOZITANS PREFER THAT MALTESE REMAIN IN MALTA WHERE THEY BELONG> THEN I MUST SPEAK TO THE MINORITY OF GOZITANS OR MAYBE YOU ARE RIGHT WITH GOZITANS PREFERING WE STAY IN MALTA BUT SEND YOU MONEY. BUT THEN AGAIN WE ALREADY DO THAT WITH THE GOVERNMETN PUMPING HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY INTO GOZO WITH GOZITANS SEEMINGLY NEVER SATISFIED OR GRATEFUL.

AND ONE MORE THING, YOUR RETHORIC SOUND EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ONE USED FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WORD FOR WORD, JUST CHANGE MALTA TO AFRICA. IS RACISM RIFE AMONGST OURSELVES?

E.Psaila

Mar 7th 2009, 06:26

You call this going backwards? Is being disciplined because you hurt someone going backwards? Well this kind of thinking is getting us where we are today. Our youths from as young as the primary class think the can do whatever pleases them without being punished. They all know their rights but nobody explains to them their duties.

You cannot hurt other people's feelings and beliefs. I bet this Melvin Barbara would have been funnier if he dressed up as himself during the carnival. He should try this next year. And by the way if you want my opinion on the Nadur carnival I would say it is an orgy of hamalli.

Edward Fenech

Mar 7th 2009, 06:17

Iran in the Mediterranean!

Ramon Casha

Mar 7th 2009, 05:42

The Catholic Church offends the Jewish religion every time they stage a passion play and falsely blame the Jews for the crucifixion. It offends every other religion when it says that it's the only true faith and that theirs are false gods. If Melvin Barbara was found guilty, then the Bishops are the local bosses of an organised crime group which is guilty of the same crime every day of the year, and should receive a sentence that reflects the severity of their crimes.

No wonder Patrick Attard chose to disassociate himself publicly from this corrupt entity. He won't be the last.

Nigel Lawrence

Mar 7th 2009, 04:37

Just ONE of the reasons I do not subscribe to this medieval organisation.

Bernice Coulton

Mar 7th 2009, 03:19

I am not a religious person, far from it, but I find that the man wearing a sacred habit is purely bad taste. Why is it that we find it a need to ridicule others and other people's beliefs to have some fun? I am sure that there are a plethora of other costumes that this gentleman could have worn for carnival.Anyone that chooses to wear a religious costume on a day dedicated for fun is the biggest fool there is! It is alarming to me how people in general, just don't care about anything anymore. How about we show some respect for other people's choice and beliefs? This is not a Malta or Gozo Issue, it is a human issue. . Maybe this young man now will think before acting like in idiot.
I say fair sentence!!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 7th 2009, 01:13

Where exactly did he get a SACRED habit from?

Antoine Grima

Mar 7th 2009, 01:05

WHAT A CATCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gavin Attard

Mar 7th 2009, 00:41

Why on earth should religeon never be made fun of?
I mean its not the fact that you believe in a god, there is as much proof as there is disproof which means neither camp can be proven 100% right. But here is what is ridiculous. To have the audacity to say you know god, what he wants from you, what he wants from everyone, and that he stays up there in the sky , meddling in our lives, through the channel of prayer, is mindbogglin!! IT gets worse, you should never doubt him, question him or make fun of him, or any of the fables associated with him. i mean honestly. And i haven't even touched on the silly rules derived from silly story books that drive the plethora of religeons to want bloweach other out of this world in an effort to proove themselves right.
Now if you want to still believe, fine. But be mature enought to know that it is a personal choice, and if some people wishes to make fun of it, then live with it, and let everyone have their say. i'm going to hell anyways huh... whats it to you?

Robert Micallef

Mar 7th 2009, 00:38

""He was accused of wearing a sacred habit without permission""
If the robe he was wearing is really sacred shouldt we adore it?
Who is to decide if a piece of cloth is sacred?
Is that not paganism?

Charles J Buttigieg

Mar 7th 2009, 00:36

@ Joseph Masini
Do you really think that this case shows a sign of maturity by both the Maltese Justice System, and the Maltese as a whole? Please do not include me because I think this is as pathetic as the Muslims chasing Sir Salman Rushdie for his ‘Satanic Verses’.

Of course this man was insensitive and offended the Religious belief of some people including mine- but does that make him a criminal and worthy of a suspended sentence? If I dare be judgemental I may look at the man as, maybe, a sinner and should be encouraged to repent.

Some compassion and spiritual guidance would have sufficed.

pvassallo

Mar 7th 2009, 00:30

1. " A man was jailed for a week after being found guilty of begging outside churches"

2. "A man was accused of wearing a sacred habit without permission"

Soon: A man is arrested for not getting down on his knees while a priest was standing in front of him.

Pero ghandna Arcisqof simpatiku, veru? Viva l-knisja kattolika RUMANA

Emma Xerri

Mar 7th 2009, 00:25

Until all Religions actual prove to us that what they are preaching is true and can be proven without a doubt, then I do not see why we the people should respect or honour them.

Prove to me that there is a life after death, that the dead will rise again and that the host becomes the flesh and blood of Christ during Mass. Prove it using empirical evidence as you would in a Court of Law or in a scientific experiment. Anything less than that will not suffice.

After all, respect like love, has to be earned.

How can people say they honestly respect self-serving entities like religions and churches, who have been responsible for untold wars, cruelty and deaths. They are always either the power or at the right-hand of power, keeping people in submission, and waiting for their reward in the next life, while they themselves withhold nothing of the material world for their pleasures.

They held back knowledge and science for hundreds of years and are still continually insulting our intelligence.

Indeed, It is religion that has denigrated Humanity!

carmelo aquilina

Mar 7th 2009, 00:09

Shall we expect the Church now to abide by the same rule of law and stop hiding sexual and physical abuse by the clergy ? Or does it only use the law when it suits it...?

T Mifsud

Mar 7th 2009, 00:06

Welcome to Malta's Catholic version of the SHARIA LAW!

D Attard

Mar 6th 2009, 23:45

Melvin Barbara...please go to the European Courts...we're living in such a conservative state! We're not European at all..we're quasi-Islamic!

A.Vella

Mar 6th 2009, 23:41

Fair enough the same behaviour would land you in huge trouble in Muslin countries, but as far as I know, we are not ment to be a fundamentalist state

S. Calleja

Mar 6th 2009, 23:36

@ J Farrugia: So much for loving thy neighbour and thy enemy.
@ Edward Bonnici: The end is nigh! The end is nigh!

Josef Caruana

Mar 6th 2009, 23:31

I am pretty sure that if this man appealed to the European Court about the Maltese law going against his freedom of expression he would win his case. The Maltese Law that you cannot give offence to a religion goes against freedom of expression. The fact that Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but it was Judas who was crucified instead automatically makes all muslims in Malta guilty since it is stated in our constitution that our religion is Roman Catholic(so much for secularism) due to the fact that, that Jesus died on the cross and arised again is the basis of our fate(st Paul).

And what if there was in Malta a campaign such as the Aetheist one in the UK on buses that 'God probably does not exist, enjoy life!', would their belief be prosecuted for giving offence? so much for freedom of expression.

Now here in Manchester were I live I find myself defending my religion all the time against people who consider us as Pope and statue worshippers, but that does not mean I take offence about small trivialities such as this man doing what he did, my faith is stronger than that.

T.Fabri

Mar 6th 2009, 23:30

Thats it, i've read all comments and it seems that some things have gone a bit too far, but having said this i respect religion but at the same time i do not want to be brain washed in anyway by the Bishopor anyone else, its well andgood to teach right from rong, but pleasae do not hammer it and force anyone, to me that is called dictatorship!As i say i respect and do believe that no one should make a mokery of one's beliefs regardless whom they worship, but it seems that the Gozitans is best left to their own and vice versa the Maltese, i personnaly will say goodbye to Gozo - reading below i can enjoy myself at least 3 days in a year in another country outside Malta or Gozo that seems to be more broad minded without taken carnival seriously. ie., Sicily is one,Germany,Holland ,Britain and many others. So its finito and arrivederci Nadur..............Tina Fabri (Miss).

Kevin Cassar

Mar 6th 2009, 23:22

The Country and it's courts are a joke. Anyone with a tiny microscopic atom of sense can see this (unless blinded by the blindfold that they call religion). Ok let me give an example. A man and his partner violently abuse the woman's child and the mother gets a suspended sentence, and this guy dresses up as some clerical figure and gets the same sentence!!!! ARE YOU SO DUMB YOU CAN'T SEE THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!!!!! And don't anybody start saying it's the law bla bla bla. If the law is stupid it must be removed. Also as far as I know the law is against killing and stealing, that is unless it's done in the name of religion like the Catholic Church does. When will this bishop of ours return the property and lands stolen from people on their dying beds?????

Greg Pennock

Mar 6th 2009, 23:20

Thank God I am an aetheist!

cassar i

Mar 6th 2009, 22:57

Ghax tilbes libsa mhemm xejn hazin basta ma offenda lil hadd.mela issa ma nilbiess izjed il glekk ghax nigi qisni tal parlament!!!!

M. Vella

Mar 6th 2009, 22:54

Freedom of expression at its best here! Most of Malta was laughing at the muslims a few months ago because they were hurt by some caricatures. We are finding us in exactly the same position now, the rest of the world will be laughing at us because holy Malta is hurt by some carnival costumes!

WAY TO GO MALTESE BISHOPS!

Alex Borg

Mar 6th 2009, 22:48

The church always carries out its own investigations in secret when it is informed about cases of paedophilia involving members of the clergy. Why then don't the Courts charge the church for withholding information about paedophilia? A case of recrudescence of medieval thinking. U hallina...!

M. Zammit

Mar 6th 2009, 22:40

I could not believe this when i read it.....what a joke

Matthew Bonanno

Mar 6th 2009, 22:38

What does it mean to be offended anyway? To those that are offended by these things, what, do you have sleepless nights or something? A pang in the heart perhaps? Migraines?

This reminds me of the recent Russell Brand/Jonathan Ross furore in England (Google it yourselves, I can't be bothered providing a link =P ) Basically these 2 radio presenters/ comedians (both very funny if I may say) left a somewhat lewd message on the answer machine of the actor who played Manuel in Fawlty Towers. When the radio show was aired, there were hardly any complaints, but when a certain uptight, hateful, puritanical paper called The Daily Mail ran the story, the BBC got thousands of complaints.

My point: People get offended for no good reason. If God is so powerful why does he need mere mortals to defend his good name? Or is he unable to appear in the flesh because a hobbit stole his Ring of Power?

Oops, silly me, might get taken to court now.

M. Muscat

Mar 6th 2009, 22:36

Where was the law and the church a few years ago when local media celebraties dressed up as nuns on TVM dancing to the music from the film Sister Act to gather funds for charity for l-Istrina?

Joe Cassar

Mar 6th 2009, 22:35

The worst thing about this case is that it will give aid and comfort to certain people who have EXACTLY the same mentality as the suicide bombers and those who protested violently against the Mohammed cartoons.

It is great pity that Mr Barbara pleaded guilty - he must have been either badly advised or else threatened with a harsh sentence.

He should have appealed and taken it all the way to the European Court.

That way, they would have found out what kind of antediluvian throwback they hve admitted to the EU.

K. Pullicino

Mar 6th 2009, 22:23

I wonder what the reaction would be if I dressed up as one of contributors here, especially those ones passing totally irrelevant comments like "Is the Inquisition next?", and went up prancing about and insulting their dignity.

I think someone would be very quick to take me to the courts; perhaps even to the European Court of Human Rights, as someone suggested.

Is this why we have all these Human Rights, then? To insult and make people, with whom we might not share the same beliefs, look like idiots? Some happy times we're heading for then.

Joseph Borg

Mar 6th 2009, 22:15

Dear R. Spiteri,
Thank God for having maltese coming to Gozo. If it wasn't for us (maltese), you would be selling a bacon roll and a small bottle of mineral water to be split between a family of 4 foreign tourists.

May I ask how this poor guy managed to offend the Roman Catholics? Was it really because he wore a sacred habit without permission?

C.Busuttil

Mar 6th 2009, 22:07

The Maltese are only good at ruining things, They have a population 100 times more than Nadur, aren't they capable of holding such event by themselves? The answer is No, they are lazy bunch of bones who like sheep flock to any place that has been given some media prominence. They lack creativity they lack the energy to create something spontaneous. they ruin any place with their paceville culture that is binge drinking. Instead of moaning about the church about the police, organize a carnival in Malta. The one in held in Valletta is not attractive enough for them because its only about floats and dances.
To those that are so full of zeal in attacking the church they should criticize the lack of imagination of this chap. Instead of creating an original costume he simply borrowed one from religion. Besides offending the religious views of others. Next time you should try and mock the Islamic faith and we shall see what will be the reaction. When the danish cartoons controversy erupted all liberals changed colours not because they agreed but because they feared retaliation Lions with the sheep sheep with the lions.

N.Grima

Mar 6th 2009, 22:04

I think everyone here is missing the point - there is a law, and it was broken. Having pleaded guilty to a crime, some sort of punishment was compulsory. With codified law (Criminal Code), as opposed to common law ("Acts"), the Courts are BOUND to ascertain whether a law was broken, and their interpretation is limited to instituting punishment within the range deemed by law. Anything else is outside the Court's and prosecution's mandate and judiciary duties.

Whether this was worth it having his record tainted is Mr.Barbara's business; whether this law is right or wrong is debatable. Yet it is a parliamentary issue. It has been there for ages, so grilling either party would be stupid anyway. I see two issues: the law protects the STATE, including its STATE RELIGION... and not any religion (nobody wearing Muslim, Buddhist etc. clothes can be criminally charged) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_religion#Roman_Catholic; Personally, such offences should be moved to the Civil Code and left open-ended enough to apply to all religions and to keep flexibility (i.e. shifting the onus to "denigrating" rather than "wearing") I mean, if you can't see the funny side of a line of monks running after each other... ma nafx

R. Bartolo

Mar 6th 2009, 21:58

What a sad sad day for freedom this is.

E.Galea

Mar 6th 2009, 21:50

I wonder if these people will say the same if it was something against the muslim religion?
I am sure they have a fattwa against them.

Oscar Cassar

Mar 6th 2009, 21:49

He was accused of wearing a sacred habit without permission, or against the prohibition of the respective authorities... is this legal? What exactly is a sacred habit according to the Court in Gozo? Was this act illegal more that other acts at the Naduir carnival like other indicent acts between youths even in the perish church perimiters? Or was this act just noticed because it was critesised by the biships and therefore someone had to be punished just to may someone happy?

Michael Grima

Mar 6th 2009, 21:34

what a joke of a country! is inquisition next?

Ethelbert Schembri

Mar 6th 2009, 21:33

@ j Farrugia

Your kind of thinking is like the extremists that explode themselves and kill innocent people!!

Joe Fountain

Mar 6th 2009, 21:30

going backwards faster than the speed of light!

Kaydee Zammit

Mar 6th 2009, 21:30

@ j farrugia. Don't know where I got the james from

Ethelbert Schembri

Mar 6th 2009, 21:28

What a shame !!

We have a truly blind and deaf justice that is still servile to the church and powerful people hear in Malta.

I have a simple question are we still full members of the EU ?

We are treated as second class members if yes !!
If no, than it is all explained

Edward Bonnici

Mar 6th 2009, 21:27

Lack or morality and turning our back to God bring disasters.

On the increase destruction in our society is from within and is not coming from any outside threat, or outsiders as some peoples would hint. Thanks to the failure of secularism, and replacing our values to everyting goes-culture!

Charles Sammut

Mar 6th 2009, 21:26

There is a very sick irony to this debacle.

The law against carnival revellers dressing up as clerics was passed by the British in the 1800s after the local Catholic Church authorities instigated people to dress up as Protestant clergy for carnival to protest against something which they had felt slighted about.


I do not have much information about this and would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable than me were to enlighten us further on this farce which has now gone full circle!

Joseph Zammit

Mar 6th 2009, 21:26

I think a warning would have sufficed. After all these things have been going on for yours and noone seemed to notice, so why make scapegoats out of a few people?

@ j farrugia - do you consider yourself to be a fervent catholic? you seem to be full of hatred and spoiling to get revenge, which are the opposite of what Jesus preached

Kaydee Zammit

Mar 6th 2009, 21:21

@ james farrugia
A big LOL at you. A lifetime in prison? Haha are you serious? Thanks for providing entertainment. I'm a Roman Catholic, and thus he offended me too. But a lifetime in prison? Not even pedophiles get that sentence. Come on! Are we back to the dark ages or what? Please don't hesitate in commenting again. I really needed the laugh.

v.pulis

Mar 6th 2009, 21:20

I have come across priests' costumes in plastic bags sold in shops along with other costumes. They are definately not made in Malta so how are they imported? Has anyone been charged with dressing up as Jesus or for cruelty to animals? I think that these are more serious than impersonating a priest or a nun although for the life of me I can't see what's so funny funny in dressing up as a priest or a nun.

L Cardona

Mar 6th 2009, 21:12

No one ever complained viewing similar scenes on our neighbourly Italian TV stations.

This person should appeal at the European Court.

j farrugia

Mar 6th 2009, 21:11

@ JAMES DIMECH. you should hide your face with shame. trying to justify obscenities in public. are you ashamed of Christ? do you want me to offend your parent whether alive or dead. Off course not. so why should you approve of a bastardsomeone who deliberately wanted to offend the catholics and Jesus Christ. You think that God was clapping at his buffunata? do you think the children laughed at him? only you and some others who wanted to make merry at the expense of the catholic religion. no from now on what's good for the tiny minority will have to make the same for the majority. btw, the sentence was too linient. I wanted him to spend time in prison to help him ponder about what he did: offend religion. and offended me. and this is not the end of it.

John L. Kleck

Mar 6th 2009, 21:11

I applaud the Maltese government on both counts. Both in it's lenience and in it's refusal to accept disrespectful behavior. Here in the states our secular culture as it will has become obsessed with allowing freedom, so much that the mentally ill or just plain evil go about doing as they will predating on others in the name of freedom. A level headed government that expects not only freedom but respect for one another can far from be called intollerant. Neither is it fair to compare it to the middle ages. If you are going to disrespect people, don't expect them to sit and take it. Although the Christians are expected to do just that, they are also responsible for protecting the innocent from being harmed by predatory vagabonds. You can mock my religion all you want, but mock my savior, and I have something to say about it. Show the same respect other people are giving you.

Alfred Grech

Mar 6th 2009, 21:09

I think that a line has to be drawn somewhere. Offending one's beliefs is not entertaining at all. I agree with the Bishops and disagree with the "modern minded" individuals who seem to have lost all respect towards our faith.

Let prudence rule.

Bernice Bruno

Mar 6th 2009, 21:07

Mr.R.Spiteri if the maltese follows your instructions most probably you all die of hunger!

George Caruana

Mar 6th 2009, 21:03

And people wonder why the church keeps loosing its congregation.

j farrugia

Mar 6th 2009, 21:03

young people insulting their religion and you think that such people ever go to church? you amaze me. this guy has never been to church. he is not a catholic. catholics do not swear or even insult Jesus. let them stay off the church if they are not civil.

Alvin Grech

Mar 6th 2009, 21:03

The church needs to wake up from the slumber if it wishes to reverse its downward spiral

Norbert Bugeja

Mar 6th 2009, 21:00

Incredible stuff ... its the sheer arrogance of it all that gets to you really..

jason borg

Mar 6th 2009, 20:59

@ R. Spiteri - add "and leave their money in our pockets!".

Joe Fenech

Mar 6th 2009, 20:58

Melvin, take the courts to the European Human Rights Courts.

http://www.echr.coe.int/ECHR/

C.ZARB

Mar 6th 2009, 20:52

The majority of Maltese people would like the Gozitans to remain where they belong but unfortunately they don't do that. We also have to pay extra taxes so that they can get a cheap ride on the ship ferry.

Anyway the majority of the Gozitan turists are Maltese. It wouldn't be a bad idea to boycott our sister island until they learn not to 'jobsqu fl id li jieklu minna'

Joseph Martino

Mar 6th 2009, 20:50

@ R. Spiteri

Malta tal-Maltin. Ghawdex tal-Maltin.

mari van rooy

Mar 6th 2009, 20:49

Why in all other catholic country s you can where what you wont with carnaval,40 years ago me and my girlfriend where dressed up as kapilan and nun in a mini skirt fun we need smiles we need in this sad world so enjoy as long as you can and make love no war.

leonardo vince

Mar 6th 2009, 20:48

Of all the perverse behaviour in Gozo regularly trumpeted in the daily news, this is hilarious - what a hypocratic society.

R Delacruz

Mar 6th 2009, 20:48

I dont believe that this still happens!!!Where is the archbishops sense of compassion,education that Christ was cruxified for???The church in Malta is just another business run with medievel ways by uncompassionate and at times sexually preditorial individuals.

Claudine Hundsrucker

Mar 6th 2009, 20:48

I live abroad and am a proud Maltese, but when I read such headlines on Maltese Newspapers I am ashamed, this is ridiculous !!!
The Maltese might think that they are part of the Europe just by joining the EU but this mentality shows that Malta and the Maltese were, are and will always remain ISLANDERS !! such things only happen in Malta and in no other democratic modern country !!

Henrik Piski

Mar 6th 2009, 20:42

Carnival season in Germany is a time of wild fancy-dress parties and costume balls, and a strong tradition of political satire and subversive humor. The big parades feature elaborately decorated floats that often lampoon regional and national politicians. During the months leading up to the parades, the various Carnival guilds create a “counter-government,” electing their own princes and princesses for the season. The Rhineland Carnival parade is a major event that is broadcast each year on German national television, with colorful floats that mock politicians and other celebrities or current events.
It would be great if in Malta the people would enjoy the same freedom for a day ...

Joe Fenech

Mar 6th 2009, 20:41

Gozitan gbejnata!!!

One would think this came out of the Middle Ages and the Inquisition or an Islamic State.

Accused of wearing a sacrid habit!!! Har, har...!!!!!! Awesome!!!!!

L. Cutajar

Mar 6th 2009, 20:41

I am Maltese and not a Gozitan however I must say that wherever we Maltese go we always end up ruining everything. Let's keep the Nadur carnival for the Gozitans and those Maltese people who knows how to have fun without causing any harm. The Nadur carnival is to be kept simple without any loud music, indecent behaviour, and preferably no floats as these just cause an eye sore. One last thing, Good work by the Gozo police for having found the person who dressed up as christ and took him to court.

Paul Xuereb

Mar 6th 2009, 20:26

With all do respect Robert Cuschieri, no one is telling you to came to NAdur. If any village in Malta had a carnival as good as Nadur this would not be a problem would it. I do agree that the church should stop interfering in individual lives, because SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. On the other hand your claim that we depend on The Maltese coming is not true. Since the maltese have been coming, the nadur carnival has been crazy, too much people. Maltese people not following the rules. It is a great carnival, and if maltese come or not it will still be amazing. have a nice day.

R. Spiteri

Mar 6th 2009, 20:21

The majority of us gozitians we would prefer that the Maltese stay in Malta where they belong!!!! maltese are welcome if they respect our culture, traditions and beliefs.

john borg

Mar 6th 2009, 20:19

i remember going there year after year....taking part many times......nowadays i cant take my children(cant spend the evening explaining or inventing lies) !!!!!! ....what fun is that........why cant i enjoy carnival with all my family......why should one decide to have fun offending others????........

Charmaine Galea

Mar 6th 2009, 20:15

Denis Catania

Mar 6th 2009, 20:11

A sad day for freedom of speech and the right to celebrate carnival. In Malta or Gozo someone can't dress up for Carnival. But someone can curse and offend a man covering news at a national debate while filming and get away with it. I wonder who that man or his mom might know?

mario borg

Mar 6th 2009, 20:07

is this malta, an EU member states in 2009? this intolerance and super-sensitivity of the church is typical of the movements in the bible states in the US - christian fundamentalists. Our secular identity is at risk. And this should worry a lot of people.

R Cauchi

Mar 6th 2009, 20:05

For sure this sentence will get even more young people to move away from the church! Nice move well done!!

Carmel Xerri

Mar 6th 2009, 20:03

The bishops are satisfied now.

Michel Bencini

Mar 6th 2009, 20:01

Religion is not about the 'habit'. It is about values and spiritual perspective. The sentence of the court is extremely superficial and misguided. Moreover, since when does the state, which should only concern itself with civil matters, intrude in the affairs of religion? Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and give unto God what is God's. The fact that the alleged denigration happened during carnival is even more cogent since the presiding magistrate should know that permissiveness and acting beyond the accepted norm is what carnival tradition is all about.

Charles Sammut

Mar 6th 2009, 19:55

@ Robert Cuschieri You are misinformed. It was the bishops who complained and insisted that legal action be taken against these revellers. So it was not the Gozitans who instigated this but the local Catholic prelates. It seems that these bishops, finding themselves unable to maintain a stanglehold on their fleeing flock "bis-sewwa", they have resorted to "bid-dnewwa." The article fails to inform us what the full sentence was. In fact it was a one month imprisonment suspended for 18 months. I am sure that this scapegoat will from this day henceforth be attending mass and receive holy communion every day. Moreover, from what I can gather, he was not wearing a "sacred" habit, but was (un)dressed as l-Irxoxt. This is the religious version of an auto-goal.

T.Theuma

Mar 6th 2009, 19:54

Well @RobertCuschieri din't you know, Gozitans only like us Maltese to go over and spend our money during such feasts ie., carnival, weekends, but other then that stay away boy or at least get back on the ferry back to Malta,as we seem to have got ourselves a bad reputation for makeing a mess, or disorderly conducts or whatever they like to chuck back at us well behaved and loaded Maltese, next time instead of spending a well deserved break we might even go to Sicily it won't cost more then what we spend on Gozo. T.Theuma

G.schembri

Mar 6th 2009, 19:51

Will all the Gozitans wearing masks be prosecuted as well. Ergajna lura ghal zmien il-granmastru Lascaris?

pierre borg

Mar 6th 2009, 19:37

i am sorry for these persons, but they need to show some respect for the institutions. everyone has a right to enjoy himself but within limits. you are disrespecting our faith and beliefs. you do not need to boycott NADUR CARNIVAL but enjoyment should have its limits. for next time mates

s portelli

Mar 6th 2009, 19:37

to say that the nadur carnival success is made by the thousands of maltese that come to gozo is a farce. i am from nadur and do remember how much fun it was before. it became a street party now. the carnival was popular not because of being a street party. lots of people write here about the carnival but most likely they only come to nadur for the carnival. we live here and we know what carnival was all about....and to have fun you dont need to make fun of our own religion.

J. Borg

Mar 6th 2009, 19:35

It goes without saying.....that nobody utter one single blasphemy in Nadur, the Police Station, the Law Courts, or during Nadur's (or any other village) feast. But it easier to play saints & cry offence - in these instances only....otherwise most of the Maltese will be jailed!

Andrew Camilleri

Mar 6th 2009, 19:35

Your comments are pathetic! Why this desire to make fun of everything to do with the Church? Why is it OK to make fun of the Church and Jesus? It's not, whatever you liberals have to say about it. I find the comments below insulting and ignorant. If someone did something to offend some other religion, or offend some belief you hold dear, you would be the first to complain.

C.Debono

Mar 6th 2009, 19:32

@Robert Cuschieri I guess you dont know what you are saying. "And then at the end they come up with this ."? As if the Gozitans are coming up with this. If the same thing happened in Malta would the Gozitans say and then they come up with this? Grow up and stop making differences because they are Gozitans and because they are not. That is a law and it was breached. Law does not take into consideration whether you are a Maltese or Gozitan. Whether you like the law or not is up to you but the fact is that it was breached.

James Dimech

Mar 6th 2009, 19:31

Congratulations goes to the bishop. I am sure God is really happy and satisfied that he ruined this 26 year old's 'kondotta' as if he were some kind of criminal. A public statement from the church authorities would have sufficed. But tarnishing these young people with Court is ridiculous. Today I am ashamed to be part of the Maltese church.

Joe Zammit

Mar 6th 2009, 19:28

Next step is respect for the dignity of Maltese and Gozitans. The Criminal Law is there to be observed by one and all for our own good. Breaking the law is against us whether living yesterday, today or tomorrow. Tomorrow will have Criminal Law as well and that's how we live with the times.

clive borg

Mar 6th 2009, 19:25

At least action is taken, i'm sorry for the individual as a person but a line needs to be drawn between carnival and trying to make a laugh for things that are working for the best of the community... there need to be laws on everything...

Edward Camilleri

Mar 6th 2009, 19:22

Are we still in the middle ages? The church in Gozo is denigrating an ODZ area in the same village of Nadur to built a cemetery! But instead of taking the church to court we give them our blessings through MEPA.

Peter Bonnici

Mar 6th 2009, 19:21

I'm sure Jesus Christ Himself will show more mercy. Well at least I'm counting on it :-)

monica muscat

Mar 6th 2009, 19:21

I agree with the sentence given. Irrespective of whether this was a Gozitan in Malta, or a Maltese in Gozo! We should stand up for our values and not allow anyone to degenerate our religeon. I have another thing to say. Whom do we send to prison when you get a toddler being paraded down Republic Street, Valletta with the logo I HATE GOD on his T-shirt? I saw this with my very eyes and it sent a chill down my spine!

J Busuttil

Mar 6th 2009, 19:20

Yes those who denigirate the Catholic religion of the Maltese people must be stopped. Malta is a democratic state but still no one is free to libel another person be it religion or something else. So why the fuss about this sentence. Those who do not have any regards to our Catholic faith are also duty bound not to denigirate this faith. May I also add that if Malta lose it's Catholic roots it will surely go to the dogs.

Michael Neville Cassar

Mar 6th 2009, 19:20

@ Jean Paul Galea Offending people sentiments can some times get you killed. These persons should try these gimmicks in a Muslim country then you will see what happens.

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Mar 6th 2009, 19:15

The priestly class wants to flex its muscles. Someone should tell them that we are not buying what they are trying to sell. The days of the Inquisition are long gone.

Charles Falzon

Mar 6th 2009, 19:12

No religion should be made fun of. He could have chosen some other subject . Unless, he was not in need of some attention.

Robert Cuschieri

Mar 6th 2009, 19:12

Next year Maltese should boycott the nadur carnival and no one should go. The carnival is such a success because thousands of Maltese go up each year and the gozitans make tons of money. And then at the end they come up with this ... pathetic.

malcolm seychell

Mar 6th 2009, 19:08

Pajjiz tal Mickey Mouse

P Attard

Mar 6th 2009, 19:05

We definitely should respect each other's beliefs and sensitivities. No need of any stakes at all. Not even prison. Nor a court sentence, perhaps. Just pure and simple respect for each other.

Joseph Masini

Mar 6th 2009, 19:02

I do not think that this has anything to do with the "Middle Ages", as said in the previous comment; in fact, I rather think that this case shows a sign of maturity by both the Maltese Justice System, and the Maltese as a whole.

Theresa Micallef

Mar 6th 2009, 19:02

Oh for goodness sake!!

Jean Paul Galea

Mar 6th 2009, 18:59

Next step is burning people at the stake....we should grow out of the middleages