Urine bags thrown at migrants as racism grows - NGOs

Pauline Thompson

Jul 23rd 2009, 21:03

Denis Catania
How well did you read my comments and understood them? Where did I refer to racism starting in Malta, how was I stereotyping and where did I imply that all illegal immigrants are black? Please be careful before making such accusations. Yes I've heard of the white farmers being killed by blacks but not because of being white but because of longstanding maltreatment & years of abuse to the black farm workers paying them pittances and for taking the land which was originally owned by blacks. Don't accuse me now with getting pleasure of anyone being murdered because I certainly don't. Nor did I imply that racism is white on black only especially when a Japanese friend was also racially abused. Guess where she was at the time? Visiting Malta! How can you honestly say the issue is not racism? Open your eyes properly and put yourself in these people's place. Sorry I don't get your point - do you have fifteen migrants living with you in your home? My support is that I work, pay my taxes and respect others like I expect in return. The rest I leave to the politicians whether I agree or disagree.

Denis Catania

Jul 22nd 2009, 18:36

@Pauline Thompson: Racism did not start in Malta. Racism is all over. Did you hear the white farmers that were being killed in Africa for the simple reason that they were white? Please don't try to make it seem that racism is only white on black. We have a lot of black on white racism too. But the issue is not racism, the issue is the illegal immigrants black, brown, yellow and WHITES have put a big burden on Malta. Ms. Thompson if you move in 15 illegal immigrants with your two beautiful children, can you support your children and travel while helping the illegals? If NO, now you get what we are facing. If YES. Why don't you? Also stop the stereotyping, all illegal immigrants are not black, unless you ONLY want to protect black illegal immigrants. How sad for you to think that racism started in Malta.

Pauline Thompson

Jul 21st 2009, 22:04

Mr Steven Camilleri - my family is not costing the Maltese tax payer a penny, instead we are contributing towards the tourist industry everytime we visit. So please explain to me why have I witnessed and heard so many racist comments towards my family simply because they are black? Would it be because some small minded people believe that they are superiour to those with darker skin? Yes, we too work very hard, pay our taxes, help others who are less fortunate than us, brought our children to respect the human race regardless of religion, colour or beliefs. My grandad was a serving member of the armed forces and died during the war so the likes of you and I can enjoy the freedom that we are today and with the hope that one day we too give little back to those who are less fortunate. Judging by your comments there's no chance of that from your part. How can you compare Malta with war torn Africa? I do pity you.

Pauline Thompson

Jul 21st 2009, 21:45

Mr David Portelli - I have passed several times through the front and rear of the Marsa detention centre and have seen the tents at Hal Far that house human beings like you and I. Need I say more? I'm sorry, but what should I have been looking for with regards to respect towards Maltese people? Yes Malta does not have the resources, as previously stated let the authorities deal with such matters and treat these poor people with the respect that they deserve.

Steven Camilleri

Jul 21st 2009, 10:30

Mrs Thompson, ma nistax nkun jien, i work hard for a living, feed my daughter , pay all sorts of taxes but i live in my country !!! Is it really my problem if the Africans are poor? My countrymen were poor and worked hard to get us were we are ? Why should i pay taxes because they are poor in africa ?

Roderick Theuma

Jul 21st 2009, 09:36

I think we should follow our Italian friends and send all illegal immigrants back to their country... They are not refugees they are illegals... entering our country illegally ... breaking the law ...

David Portelli

Jul 20th 2009, 20:48

I disagree with racism but on the other hand a small country such as Malta can't give them the RESPECT THEY DESERVE.We are a country of a few thousands and can't afford to let all these illegal immigrants in Malta.I would like to ask the person who left the comment by Using the name Pauline Thompson whether she ever passed near the detention centres and then see if they are showing any kind of small respect towards the maltese people the same people paying the TAX FOR THEM:

Joe Fenech

Jul 20th 2009, 20:28

Where are the NGOs when Police and AFM members and Maltese people are attacked? Did they open their mouth when a sex maniac repetitively conducted himself in a lewd manner in public places? Did you defend the Maltese and our children? Stop making up things and trying to give guilt trips to the nations! Its you double standards and ways that create havoc and problems. THINGS WILL ONLY GET WORSE UNTIL ACTION IS TAKEN!! Remember: there is only ONE FACT : these people are here illegally and should be sent back IMMEDIATELY!!! Do it like the Italians!

Pauline Thompson

Jul 20th 2009, 20:25

Those who believe that racism started in Malta in the last few years since people from Africa started arriving by boats, well they are all so wrong. Racism is inbreed in some Maltese people regardless of how well educated they are. I speak from personaI experience. I have been married to a black man for several years and have been blessed with two beautiful children, not only in looks but most of all in character. We have been spending time in Malta as a family since 1983. Some of the comments that have been made about my family over the years are so hurtful. However,I feel sorry for these people who made these comments and put it down to their ignorance, poor education and wander how far they wll get outside their comfort zone. So you see we are not illegal immigrants - we are tourists and bring money to Malta however, some people can only judge by the colour of the skin. I understand that you have your problems however, let the authorities sort them out and treat these poor people with the respect that they deserve. REMEMBER THE SAYING TISTA TKUN INT!!

David Portelli

Jul 20th 2009, 19:53

It's really shameful to critisize the maltese people in this way after all we are doing for these immigrants against OUR WILL.Everyone knows clearly that no one wants them,cause no one is trying to take them not even the United nations to other countries.These acts are showing the feelings of the maltese people.Last week I was with my wife and my daughter at the Bandli of Msida and A GROUP OF 5 illegal immigrants kept following my wife and my daughter every where they went.This is what The MALTESE PEOPLE ARE FEELING.

m azzopardi

Jul 20th 2009, 16:09

sandro agius....whilst I also condem violence and rascism I maintain that by not wanting our country/homeland to end up like other places in europe with no-go areas , it doesn't mean we are rascist and we are all going to hell.

Sandro Agius

Jul 20th 2009, 14:23

As a Maltese citizen and a Roman Catholic I condemn every kind of racism, as my Church always does. Saying that a Roman Catholic is the must huge lie one can say...maybe who says so forgets what the JRS are doing - Jesuits are in the Catholic Church...christ himself was a refugee.

Some Holy Water or Holy Oil does not make one a Christian...for if he is a racist is a Pharisee; "Min dan jaghrfukom li intom tieghi jekk ikollkom l-imhabba bejnitkom"...and why attacking the Catholic Church...all this hatred is not caused by the church...ever heared the bishops or someone directly involved in the Catholic Church preach racism...I always heared and teached my groups that racism is wrong.

Lets condemn every kind of violence, hatred, vandalism, racism....but let's not on the same side be ourselve violent, full of hate and racist towards no one...neither towards the church

Sewwa jghidu; Taghmel x'taghmel taqlagha...nirringrazzja lill-Alla ghal nies bhal San Gorg Preca li ghallmuni ma naghtix kaz in-nies u dak li naghmel naghmlu ghal Alla...being racist does not make someone better than someone else...it makes him worst than an animal

Alistair Duncan

Jul 20th 2009, 12:15

kieku nghidu il hnizrijiet li jsiru per ezempju hal safi mill klandestini mhux ahjar.Jew nghidu li jaqblilna biss.In nies mghallma illum il gurnata!

Stephen Farrugia

Jul 20th 2009, 09:06

@ P Debono

That is because the Maltese are busy with festi, waterpolo and BBQ's, while the people taking their country, are playing a power game and took all the key positions of the media.

J Micallef

Jul 20th 2009, 07:59

Dear fellow Catholics....
So nice to see you voice your humble opinion against the migrants... (while some of you at the same time argue against divorce...)

Noel Cutajar

Jul 19th 2009, 21:43

@Alex Borg - Believe me I did not see anyone condemn any attacks on us neither from any NGO or from any 'pacifist' that was living in these detention centres. If their country did not unite them, I am sure that the detention centres united them as one.

As I said their silence is their answer!! Mind you I am using the same slogan as potrayed here...

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090719/local/call-on-authorities-to-break-silence-on-racism

Sandro Pace

Jul 19th 2009, 18:32

@Joseph Bartolo

They dont have the right to overwhelm our country. African problems will never be solved, but that does not give them any rights of a population transfer, aka problem transfer. Immaginary rights, for all that matter.

@ saliba s
Well said.

Michelle Dali

Jul 19th 2009, 18:07

@ Joseph Bartolo

You're a dreamer for sure, which in itself isn't a bad thing. But thankfully not everyone is and most of us realise that the euphoria of diversity, peace and harmony you dream about will never happen in the real world.

Many of the Africans who have come illegally to Malta are not escaping persecution of any kind. They simply want to live in Europe because they think it will be an easy life and they will try to get in even though they know they are doing it illegally.

Europe cannot accomodate all the people of Africa. This mass emigration of healthy young Africans is not even good for Africa. European governments should put the message across that illegal immigration will not be tolerated any longer. Africans should take responsibility for their own countries instead of running away, leaving behind them the weak, sick and needy to fend for themselves. If this trend continues, Africa will never improve.

pat camilleri

Jul 19th 2009, 18:05

The police and the soldiers have been insulted and attacked by these illegal immigrants,Why are those incidents never reported?

J.Gerrard

Jul 19th 2009, 17:50

Solidarity with policemen and soldiers for having to face these ILLEGAL immigrants on a daily basis. Mr Callus i will personally pay for your flight ticket to Libya, Congo or Sudan so that you can speak to their governments and media the same way you speak so publicly to ours! Then we'll see how kindly you get greeted. You and other NGO's keep demanding so much from us, our taxes and our governments! Fix the problem at its origin! Go to their countries and help them there...they'll avoid the "dangerous" trip over (one should define dangerous as i would not have clean clothes and still smell good after a trip from Libya if the journey was that hard and perilious!) and we will focus our tax money to other more important areas like energy, the environment and economy.

saliba s

Jul 19th 2009, 15:10

And was it called racism when these illegal immigrants threw urine and other even more unsavoury things day in day out, at the soldiers caring for them at the barracks?

P Debono

Jul 19th 2009, 13:53

Why does the media NEVER report the experiences that our very own AFM soldiers have to go through every day.

Almost everyone in Malta knows what they go through (except obviously our Church-strangled media) so why doesn't anyone have the guts to report it?

Joseph Bartolo

Jul 19th 2009, 12:38

These People have the right to live life to the full. You must remember they fled their respective countries for various reasons many being the lack of goverments that are put in power by the peoplew for the people and the lack of opportunities, such as jobs, education and a life style of dignity and respect, They are part of the whole human family, so we should fully help and respect these brothers and sisters, to the very fullest.

We all live a world of over 200 nations in one world, for each one of us no matter what colour of skin, langauge, religion or nationality one may have. If WE stand united with all nations in peace, love and harmony, we will stand firm in a blessed way. As the saying goes " UNITED WE STAND - DIVIDED WE FALL, for its much wiser to be as the 1st part of the saying rather than the later. God Bless US All, in PEACE, LOVE, HARMONY and ABUNDANCE !

m azzopardi

Jul 19th 2009, 12:23

how can he say that the incident of the immigrant beaten at Hal Far was a rascist attack when there is no proof and the same immigrant was not feeling safe to go back to Hal Far amongst his fellow countrymen!!!
Why do they make such a fuss about bags of urine thrown at immigrants(which is wrong & I condem) & then they don't say anything when the same urine bags are thrown at our soldiers & police. Last week an immigrant was in court because he broke a policeman's finger and they didn't say anything. Can you imagine if it was the other way round ?? They would have organised a protest in Valletta!!
Also how irrisponsible in saying that the immigrant killed in Paceville was racially motivated when the court case is still pending. Prudence tells us to let the court case finish before we pass any comments!!!

ian burns

Jul 19th 2009, 10:36

As an English ex pat living here in Malta, I read with great intrest the problems the Maltese have with the migrants, has anyone asked the question "Why are they still here?" I can understand some of them may be persecuted if they are returned to their native land, do they not have a system where they can be protected if they are sent back? Maybe the Maltese authorities should take a leaf from the uk's book on dealing with migrants.....no visa, no work, send home asap. End of story.
The cost of activating a system like that would surely outweigh the cost of keeping these people in centres, and would illiminate all the hassle and media hype that it is currently invoking.
With regards to the comment made by Stephen Sultana, I am not sure what he means with the comment of "have a field when we move to Malta", and yes we would dare to write these letters in our local press, how does he think the BNP have gained seats in Parliament.

Noel Enriquez

Jul 19th 2009, 05:38

Graffitti is a biased one sided lobby, along with most articles on the Times! Graffitti calls for protests and issues press releases the moment somebody dares to look at an illegal immigrant, and when a Police officer or a Soldier gets beaten by these illegal aliens they never utter a word! On the other hand the Times writes endless pages of articles on such issues, and when a Soldier or Policeman gets injured in his line of duty we get an article that's 3 scentences long! Shame indeed! I don't care if anyone threw bags at illegal immigrants, I don't care about racial sentiment in Malta, what I care about is the Maltese individual, and the person behind the Uniform doing his Job for the benefit of us all! Keep up the good job boys (and girls)!!

Kristabel Ellul

Jul 19th 2009, 03:58

@ ISOBEL: I do not want to downgrade the suffering of this guard who was attacked, but the fact is that attacks on guards (even by Maltese prisinoers) are done for tangible, if not correct, reasons, like frustration or a sense of having been humiliated. When random passersby attack random people, we are talking about entirely different soup.

@ SPENCER: Being concerned about illegal immigration is one thing, but hating illegal immigrants is another althogether.

We cannot simply 'prevent' illegal immigration. Immigration is the result of worldwide forces that shape people's lives. A woman who lives in a country where the doctors cannot prevent her from miscarriaging all her pregnancies has every reason to want a new life elsewhere, even if there is no war in her country that entitles her to refugee status.

Yes she creates a problem for us and we have to find ways of dealing with the displacement of so many people, but there is no point in hating her - who doesn't understand her?

Alex Borg

Jul 19th 2009, 01:41

@Noel Cutajar: What you say does not prove that ALL illegal migrants are as vicious as you portray them to be. But perhaps a minority are, just like a minority of the Maltese are outwardly racist. Furthermore, it does not justify the racists acts being perpetrated. The state needs to acknowledge that racism, including among enforcement officers, is a reality. Unless such acknowledgement takes place, no concrete corrective measures will be taken to educate people. And educate we must, starting from the schools where unfortunately it is not uncommon to find that pupils and students parrot the racist sentiment they hear from their parents at home. My children, have come back with some sad stories, about school van drivers deliberately using epithets such as "ja mahmug iswed" to African or dark skinned pupils. Let us face reality, before we start encountering even more shocking deaths such as the recent beating of the Sudanese in Paceville.

Adam Wilson

Jul 19th 2009, 01:17

Racism ... Hmmm .. lets not forget that a UK person or in fact anyone not Maltese less than five years ago had to leave every 3 months to stay within the laws of Malta . Things have changed, but also lets not forget that these migrants are on the whole people that didnt want to stay in their country so they have fled to other countries . Their lack of education and their status of nothing to loose means they will do whatever they need to to survive .. Unfortunatly drugs and crime pay well so that what some turn to .. What else will happen when locals are affected by such crime .. They will fight back . .The problem is everyones and the migrants are certainly not blameless . This is just what is happening everywhere but in a smaller place. You cant teach a cat to bark , how do you expect these people to intergrate without such problems . EVERYONE NEEDS TO HELP FIX THE PROBLEM... THIS IS EVERYONES PROBLEM and it will get worse.

Charles Sammut

Jul 18th 2009, 22:21

The credibility of these NGOs is now so low that very few people take much notice of what they spew. They just pull out the now well well worn out race card just because these illegal immigrants happen to be black.

It is a pity that they find gullible journalists to regurgitate their unfounded allegations.

Roderick Theuma

Jul 18th 2009, 21:02

@Massimo Borg

You said you live in St Pauls bay and you have never saw anything wrong from Africans... well ask that to any woman who lives in that area.. especially the Giormina area and she may tell you... Just yesterday my girl friends sister was followed by 2 African men, and they tried to stop her... fortunatly a shop was opened nearby... the day before my girl friend was followed by an African with a bike... Are you really serious? Perhaps they didn't annoy you because you are of no interest to them.

Roderick Theuma

Jul 18th 2009, 20:55

First of all I want to comment on the ill chosen picture presented to us by the website administrator that show a beaten / badly bruised person which has nothing to do with the act comitted here. It disgusts me! What is the meaning of this?

Secondly, while I condemn this act I would like to point out the fact that NONE of these NGO ever comment of the ordeal that our policeman and AFM passes at Ta Kandija... , The fact is that while this is a stand off act that happened only once, the AFM And policeman actually pass through this every day... Some of the acts which AFM and POLICE pass through include
spitting, braking glass bottles/ mirrors or anything that can be used like make shift weapons to try to cause bodily harm, throwing body excrements and feaces to them, throwing stones... etc...

To this date I never heard of any NGO commenting on the these.,... its a pity that some NGO's think that there are 2 rights and 2 measures.... and what about about the SOMALI that try to eat the finger of a policeman? Why haven't they commented about this?

m azzopardi

Jul 18th 2009, 20:31

I quote Mr callus "He said that talk of the migrants being a threat needed to stop if the growth of racism was to be brought in check"
First of all even Minister Tonio Borg said that illegal immigration is a security threat and secondly , is he saying there should be no freedom of speech here in Malta? Does he want the Maltese to be stopped from expressing their concerns otherwise they will be labelled rascist and arrested?? Is he the same guy who goes around promoting freedom??

Robert Cilia

Jul 18th 2009, 19:56

The language of most of the comments clearly inidcates that the lines have been drawn and one can only be pro or against migrants. The truth is often more complicated than this. What is defiantely wrong is when we start lumping all persons as goodies or badies. Yes there are some of the residents at the open centres who cause trouble and the families of public officials entrusted with ensuring order in these centres are concerned for their loved ones. Its natural is it not? On the other hand, yes, there are a number of Maltese persons who are becoming more aggressive towards migrants. Rascism is certainly here.

What I fail to understand is the complacency being shown by the authorities in these cases. For example I would like to ask regarding rumours that the residents at Hal Far are increasingly turning to alcohol to prevent the boredom of day after day having nothing to do. They are not used to alcohol and they can become violent as a result of drink. Are there rules re. alcohol in these plcaces?

John Abela

Jul 18th 2009, 19:42

While I do not in any single way condone these attacks - I have a problem with the NGOs calling these incidents racism. To me, these are only the purest reflection of what the Maltese are feeling - claustrophobia and an immense amount of pressure coming from these illegal (because yes, they are completely illegal) immigrants. I have no problem with the colour of their skin - be they black or any colour under the sky - I do have a problem, and a major one, with them being a burden on the country. And no matter how philantropic you may be, how generous you may try to appear - you have to admit that a burden is what they are.
Some of these incidents may be racist, and that is something to be completely condemned - the colour of your skin does not make you better or worse than anyone. But I am of the steadfast opinion that this is all simply the reaction of the Maltese being fed up of these people burdening us - WHICHEVER COLOUR their skin may be.

B.Grech

Jul 18th 2009, 18:26

Although I sincerley condemn these despicable incidents, I wish for once that Graffiti and other like minded NGO s would condemn similar acts carried out against our armed forces and police forces. Similarly assualts (both physical and sexual) carried out against Maltese citizens should not occur with only condemnation from far right organisations. Racism is a two way street and graffiti's condemning only one side is winning noobody over. If anything their bias will only sow more hatred.

R Borg

Jul 18th 2009, 18:24

Police tend to ignore not only the plights of abuse of illegal immigrants but almost everyone including maltese.

A person on the beach had stolen the laptop of friend of mine. The people on the beach saw this man stealing her laptop and she took note and reported to the police. Being a foreigner she was ignored and the person she had indicated to the police was never questioned.

A number of years ago I started receiving threatening phone calls from a foreigner because he said that I was courting his girlfriend. This was not true because at the time I was single. Incidentally when I reported to the police he called infront of them. There reaction was lukewarm.

In Malta something very serious must happen for the police to take action when a report in launched... even written reports on the police website are ignored!

Pam Bonello

Jul 18th 2009, 18:20

Are you people serious?

Violence is violence period! In no way this should ever be excused or condoned. In every violent incident, the victim should be protected and perpetrator punished! Since when do we excuse acts of violence because people of the same community have committed similar acts? These are pure cowardly acts of violence and the ones responsible should be brought to justice! We are talking about acts of violence against people who are peacefully minding their own business.

I am in no way condoning any attack, by an immigrant or otherwise, on our army or police force! It is still violence, and should also not go unpunished. However, let's keep the incidents separate! Just because one (or more) might have committed these acts, do not mean that all individuals from the same community are criminals!!

Before seeing 'black' at the sight of the word immigrant in an article... please read and evaluate incidents intelligently!!!!

Isobel Mcgonlgle

Jul 18th 2009, 18:14

@Stephen Sultana.
In no way am I justifying attacks against any person.Also, colour has no bearing on these matters,illegal and ungrateful would be my words of choice.
I would have no compunction in voicing my views in local British papers should there be such a forum available
@Claire Farrugia.
i was writing metaphorically regarding pedestals. ie.,. free utilities,food,monthly allowance,
clothes and accommodation. Also, had I come to Malta to escape persecution I would be more than grateful to shelter in a tent in Malta in winter with all the freebies available to the illegal immigrants.

Chrissey Zammit

Jul 18th 2009, 16:46

I do NOT condone racism. But it is on the rise in Malta. WHEN is the goverment going to do something about it. Is it any wonder why there is racism in Malta when a lot of Maltese Citizens feel second class to the immigrants although there is no mention that the perpitrators are Maltese. There is racism among the immigrants themselves.

Stephen Sultana

Jul 18th 2009, 16:07

Isobel: nothing you say can justify these attacks. moreover, why is it that British expats with your views towards coloured people seem to have a field they when they move to malta? would you dare write these comments in your local paper?

Denis Catania

Jul 18th 2009, 15:36

We have proof, such as video migrants throwing things at our soldiers. Although we can't hear what the migrants yell. Our soldiers hear the racial comments the illegal immigrants scream while throwing urine, food, furniture and homemade weapons such as oranges with blades sticking out of them.

Jeremy Brown

Jul 18th 2009, 15:27

I am shocked to hear that these are happening. The racism is growing every minute and this is becoming a very serious problem. what is going on? and where is the law and justice to protect people?. what is the meaning of throwing urine /pepper spray? what if the person reacts back (and he have the right to react), what will happen?

the right to self determination
the right to own, trade, and dispose of their property freely, and not be deprived of their means of subsistence
the right to legal recourse when their rights have been violated, even if the violator was acting in an official capacity
the right to life
the right to liberty and freedom of movement
the right to equality before the law

Noel Cutajar

Jul 18th 2009, 15:22

Assistance from NGO's

THis was inexistent at the time. Lawyers who were supposed to represent their interests were never to be found or they came only when it suited them. When they applied for refugee status and had their application turned down, not one bothered to explain anything to them. This was left to us to explain what is going to happen which caused further friction.

No doctors were available. WE used to make use of Health Centres and in some occasions.

Al other tasks, were carried out by 8 police officers in two different shifts of 12 hours which means 12 - Day and 12 Night.

When I needed extra clothing for the immigrants, the only Institution that came forward was The Islamic Community which had given us 100's of shoes and clothes for free.

The real factor in this case is that 2004 - 2005 was never a good year for any officer stationed at these places which was considered by many as a form of punishment by your senior officers.

The end result was that no escapes were reported from June 2004 - October 2004

t. borg

Jul 18th 2009, 15:17

its not the first time that immigrants throw urine on police and afm officials. is this also racism!!

Noel Cutajar

Jul 18th 2009, 15:15

Police Reactions

1. Frequent searches - allegations made by illegal immigrants were, police brutality, things being stolen. One had alleged that he had money stolen from under the bed. Al police officers conducting searches were in pairs and I made sure that none knew each other.

2. Al bottles were removed and 19 litre tanks were replaced. Machines were instaled outside the gates and they had onlcy access to the taps. Hot water was only given on request when they needed coffee or tea. Geysers were set to temperatures which would be enough for our winters but not high enough to hurt anybody.

3. More police officers were stationed at various points including roofs. Searches were carried out more frequently. Zero tolerance behaviour and any ilegal immigrant in breach of any law was arrested and taken to Court (although this was not highly recommended).

4. All police officers were given the necessary respect as they deserve and I had zero tolerance to any one of them being in contravention to any law. In this respect I gained the respect and confidence from both sides but vigilance was the key issue.

Massimo Borg

Jul 18th 2009, 15:15

I'm really ashamed to call myself maltese at this moment; I live in st. Paul's Bay and yes there's many Africans living here. SO WHAT!!! I've never seen anything wrong from them, actually I wish that the Tourist that come here are as well behaved as them; Let's hope these Maltese barbarians be arrested and that they will pay for their actions; From here I also condemn the main political parties and the Archbishop for not doing and saying anything to combat racism; Shame on you too!!

Andrea Portelli

Jul 18th 2009, 15:09

Andre Callus likes to point out problems and share his idealistic Utopian world with everyone (which will never exist might I add) without presenting solutions.

If Immigrants don't like it they can pack up and go back home... Mr. Callus can go with them since he likes them so much.

Noel Cutajar

Jul 18th 2009, 15:07

@All - Since police officers and soldiers are not allowed to express an opinion, I am going to highlight some factors which I personally experienced when I was in charge of the Floriana Detention Centre and the Hal Far Open Centre:

1. I was a Police Inspector - this to show that it is first hand experience.

2. Half liter bottles were filed with either hot water or urine and thrown at us. This was done during the serving of food or when gates are opened to take illegal immigrants to hospitals.

3. Oranges were filed with blades taken out of the disposable shaving blades. They were used as weapons whenever the occasion arose to throw them at us.

4. Toothbrushes - the brushes were melted with lighters and they used to stick a blade onto them. They used to be turned into small knives enough to cut your neck or any part of the body.

5. Metal chairs - they used to be broken down and with patience they used to turn the ends of the chairs into pointed instruments.

6. Broomsticks - weapons cut into two pieces and ends are sharpened.

claire farrugia

Jul 18th 2009, 15:03

I am still waiting for a statement from the police or minister concerned about what is being done to catch the persons who beat the 17 year old.....if there are any developments there. if people are not punished for racist acts, nothing will change, it will get worse, this is just the tip of the iceberg actually
dear Mrs Mc.Gonigle, these immigrants are not being "put on a pedestal", I do not think you would like to live in a tent in malta in Winter....

c. camilleri

Jul 18th 2009, 14:55

We always hear one side of the story. We rarely hear how the inmates at Hal Far behave towards our soldiers and police. It would be interesting to have a press conference from the soldiers and policemen working at the detention centres.

ISOBEL MCGONIGLE

Jul 18th 2009, 14:53

Where were the NGO's when an immigrant bit and fractured a policemans finger? They are being inverted racists. I firmly believe if all pro- immigrants didn't put illegal immigrants on a pedestal there wouldn't be any cause for racism. When local people are put in 2nd place behind foreigners in their own country it creates resentment. I, and many others have seen it happen in Britain and can see Malta going the same way.

Joanne Micallef

Jul 18th 2009, 14:52

Whilst I do not condone ANY acts of racism, I sure hope that these NGO's have police reports to verify their facts, as I sure will not be taking their word for it.

I also cannot help but notice that, according to this report at least, these NGO's did not express their gratitude and support for those soldiers and police officers who have suffered similar abuse from certain illegal immigrants whilst on duty.

Noel Cutajar

Jul 18th 2009, 14:50

It reminds me of the same treatment that the police received when they guarded them at Ta' Kandja and at Floriana.

Aimee Fenech

Jul 18th 2009, 14:48

The people responsible for these racist attacks should be arrested. So much for being a catholic country bla bla bla such actions should be condemned.

justin borg

Jul 18th 2009, 14:48

Racist attacks are just as illegal as the arrival of the migrants - so even the Maltese are doing illegal acts here.

neil schembri

Jul 18th 2009, 14:32

how shortsighted we are... what goes around comes around... unforunately it is normally the innocent people who will suffer the consequences of the actions of these maltese barbarians.

T.Gauci

Jul 18th 2009, 14:30

Did the NGOs and all the typical leftists condemn the alleged attack on Maltese policemen by Somali immigrant ?

Aaron Buhagiar

Jul 18th 2009, 14:19

Shame on those committing such disgusting acts!!

W Spencer

Jul 18th 2009, 14:18

The saying " prevention is easier and better than cure " comes to mind.

The problem is , ' illegal immigration ' the solution is, prevent 'illegal immigration'.

Prevention is quicker, less expensive, and more humanitarian than the cure.

Joseph Galea

Jul 18th 2009, 14:10

I believe action should be taken on all acts of racism, if they exist. But it's not fair for these NGOs to just throw mud and not prove their point.
The help and solidarity offered by the Maltese have never ceased to exist, no matter the colour of the needy.