Mario Farrugia-Borg, Qormi
The Libya I have grown to love
I refer to the report Go Back And Die In Your Own Country, Hospital Is Only For Libyans (December 23).
The story quotes Tigiste, a woman migrant, recounting her experience in Libya. She says: "The guards took my Bible and stomped on it. They asked me if I was Christian or Muslim. I pointed to my cross. They said it was a big sin and beat me with their hands and sticks. From then on, I hid my cross".
I have only one comment to make to Bible-stomping and beating: Shame!
However, being a frequent traveller to Libya, I think it would only be fair to say that my experience in Libya is totally the opposite of what is mentioned in this article.
In the centre of Tripoli, there is a Roman Catholic Church run by a Maltese parish priest. The Bishop of Benghazi is also Maltese.
The World Islamic Call Society, the Libyan organisation whose founder is Colonel Gaddafi himself, and which runs the Islamic Centre in Paola, has been a pioneer in organising inter-religious dialogue activities since the early 1970s, and preaches tolerance and respect towards other religions. Religious leaders of different faiths, especially Christians of various denominations, have attended these activities, either in Tripoli, or in countries where the World Islamic Call Society has its branches, including Malta.
During my visits to Libya, I very often leave the hotel by myself and walk around the streets, shops and markets.
I have never felt threatened "of being robbed or beaten by the locals", as the article says. On the contrary, I have always found the locals, including the police, very friendly and helpful, to the extent that I nowadays consider Tripoli as my second home.
I recount one experience during my last visit in November. I entered this watch shop but the owner did not have what I was looking for. So he left his shop unattended and walked with me for about five minutes to another shop, which, in fact, had what I wanted.
Nobody in Libya ever told me "You are nothing, I am Libyan!" Actually, when Libyans realise you are a foreigner, they treat you as a guest and a guest in Arab tradition is treated better than a local! And let me also add that Libya is the only North African country where I never saw anyone begging, or any shop owner pestering a foreigner to buy some unwanted item from his shop, so I truly cannot understand how "even little babies would stretch out their hands, palms upturned, because this is what they learned from their parents"!! Oh, and hashish and other drugs and alcohol are highly illegal in Libya.
Now, one can easily say, "Ah! But you are not African, you are not black! You never stayed at a detention centre!" That is right, but even so, Africans being treated in the manner described in this article is in total contrast to Libyan Leader Mu'ammar Gaddafi's dreams and hopes for Africa, and to the Libyan government's policies on Africa, not to mention that racist behaviour is in total contradiction to the religion of Islam.
We in Malta are not very much aware of the great efforts being done by Colonel Gaddafi in respect of the African Union. And emigration out of Africa is a big issue for Colonel Gaddafi - he is totally against it! He believes that Africans should stay in Africa, thus avoiding a brain drain. I myself have heard him deliver speeches to this effect. The unity of the African continent is Gaddafi's goal, one Africa, one people, one economy, one army. Colonel Gaddafi at present holds the African Union presidency.
Let me conclude by saying that by no means do I want to imply that Tigiste is a liar. Neither am I saying that there are no exceptions and that irregularities do not happen... they do, everywhere, including our beloved Malta. But I would just like to make it clear that Libya as pictured in this article is not the Libya that I and many other frequent travellers to that country have known, experienced and grown to love.
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John Matthews
Dec 30th 2009, 22:12
@ Mr Farrugia-Borg
I Must admit that the three times I visited Libya were in the days of King Idris so am therefore not qualified to speak about what has/has not taken place during Muammar Ghaddafi's "reign". I can honestly state that I was pestered by vendors in the souks in Tripoli to purchase goods that I did not require. Likewise I have been pestered by market stall vendors in Malta, China, South Africa, Turkey and practically all the countries I have been to. It's a part of life and really quite interesting.
Danika Vella
Dec 30th 2009, 17:06
@Mario Farrugia-Borg
Of course Religion has everything to do with this particular case - you said it yourself. The woman was beaten because she was Christian more than anything else, and the fact that she was an illegal immigrant did not help at all. You quoted the relevant part yourself infact. Here is it again : 'The guards took my Bible and stomped on it. They asked me if I was Christian or Muslim. I pointed to my cross. They said it was a big sin and beat me with their hands and sticks. From then on, I hid my cross.'
You cannot compare yourself with the woman because:
1) You are not an illegal immigrant in Libya when you go there, and
2) You are Muslim, not Christian
@ lgalea
And your point is? Why are you arguing with me? I have my opinion, you have yours. I answered you back because you seemed to think I thought like you did. If before it was not clear, let me rephrase: I don't think like you do, so please don't reword my sentences to make it seem so.
Joe Xuereb
Dec 30th 2009, 11:08
Farrugia-Borg. 'But, since when does one have to state his / her religion when expressing an opinion which, primarily, is about a completely different subject? Would you need to state you are Christian if, for example, you have an opinion regarding Italy? Enough said'.
Your rationale is amazing. I see you are well and truly indoctrinated. With a mindset like that you will accept anything as long as it is convenient. I cannot say more because trying to get round what you said would do my head in.
So your religious status is no state secret. Why would it be? It is not a crime to change religion anymore than it is to have none.
Interesting, hold wever, that you know say that people recognise you in the street. Could you tell us mister? Do people congratulate you on your enlightened decision, do they ask you how to go about joining the club, do they vilify you? We need to know, you know!
Denis A. Darmanin. Now why is it that your sorry tale has more credibility?
lgalea
Dec 30th 2009, 10:59
Danika Vella
They should have stayed in their own countries or in Africa which is a rich continent with vast natural resources not IMPOSE themselves upon us. Yes Danika, they are unwanted and unwelcome by the vast majority of Maltese citizens who want them out of Malta no matter what thank you.
Mario Farrugia-Borg
Dec 30th 2009, 08:31
@ Antoine Vella @ K Zerafa
One last comment on this, I do not like to get into long drawn arguments.
K Zerafa, there was no need to furnish us with web links as proof that I am a Muslim, especially links dating back to 2001! Yes, of course I am a Muslim, I regularly appear on TV programmes (as recently as two weeks ago) speaking about Islam, and have many times written in the media and been interviewed by journalists about my Religion. I have been stopped in the streets by people asking me about Islam. You have not unfolded any state secret!
But, since when does one have to state his / her religion when expressing an opinion which, primarily, is about a completely different subject? Would you need to state you are Christian if, for example, you have an opinion regarding Italy?
Enough said.
Danika Vella
Dec 30th 2009, 08:20
@ lgalea
You misread what I wrote. I said, they are PERCEIVED to be a burden to society, by people who think only for themselves. While every type of abuse is not right, it is not right either to treat fellow human beings in need as dirt. Every human being must be respected.
I was just stating the facts as they are. Please do not re-word my comments. Thank you.
Joe Xuereb
Dec 30th 2009, 01:54
E. Muscat. Why would Farrugia-Borg - that's odd. I thought double-barrelled Maltese surnames had to include at least one non-Maltese surname. No matter! - why would he care or even know about the Islamization of anywhere? He's already made his bed. Let's hope for his sake that the day won't come when he'll have to lay on it.
As for tiny Malta mismanaging to guard its comparatively short frontiers which, according to our 'friend' here, compares unfavourably with Libya's extensive coastline, a coastline which, according to him, is more difficult to control. Well mister, the difference is that people leaving the Libyan coast aided and abetted by the authorities - contrary to what you might like to believe, mister - is much easier than it is for Malta, regardless of the extent of her borders, to keep unwanted wanderers out. I would have thought this much was obvious. It is too me. But then you choose to believe that Libya, with its huge expanse, wants to keep people in. In which case guarding its 'outgoings' WOULD BE difficult.
Africa Union? One country.one people.one economy.ONE ARMY? With Gaddafi as president? Yes, and pigs might fly Farrugia-Borg. You make me laugh. Mister.
lgalea
Dec 30th 2009, 00:13
Danika Vella
Thank you for confirming that illegal immigrats are a burden on society. As you know everyone and every society wants to get rid of the burden especially if it is unnecessary, unwanted an unwelcome as are the illegal immigrats.
KZerafa
Dec 29th 2009, 23:32
Mr. Farrugia Borg forgot to tell the esteemed readers that he's a Maltese Muslim. Therefore, he tends to be biased.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2001/0923/local3.html
Antoine Vella
Dec 29th 2009, 22:44
Mr Farrugia-Borg, you should have told us that you are Muslim and that might have something to do with your point of view. Truth is that the situation in Libya is far worse than in Malta as regards bigotry and racism.
Denis A. Darmanin
Dec 29th 2009, 22:43
@Mario Farrugia-Borg
Having spent many years working in the oilfields in Libya, passing in and out of Triopli airport was always nightmare, even for the toughest of toughest. Having you baggage searched and anything fancied confiscated, newspapers torn, your wallet searched and comments passed about your family photos, etc. There were a few exceptions of bliss and I know many wonderful Libyans with whom I had enjoyed working. However I still bear scars on my shin because when asked whether Allah and my God are the same, I had foolishly replied that there's only one God, which got me a hurl of abuse and a terrible kick with an army boot. When asked again, I replied 'No', which resulted in my passport being slapped in my face. I'm not exagerating; ask any Maltese who worked there? Maybe times have changed since the few years that I have been missing. Msh'Allah!
E.Muscat
Dec 29th 2009, 18:13
@Mario Farrugia Borg:the immigrants need boats to arrive in Malta or Italy:these are being manufactured at well known places in Libya and Tunisia and even the inboard engines are known to be made in Tunisia :it is an industry which is very profitable and islamizes Europe which according to Gaddafi will be islamic by 2030:this is no vain boast:islamic countries population is doubling every 20 years and there are already 60 million muslims in Europe.Soon they will form their local political islamic parties and blackmail the spineless pseudochristian parties to pass legislation in their favour hurrying the process of islamization by opening their borders to many millions more. We idiots in Europe just talk of climate change and not about overpopulation and the silent invasion!
Danika Vella
Dec 29th 2009, 16:19
I think the difference between you, Mr Farrugia-Borg, and the woman, Tigiste, is the same difference there is between a tourist and an illegal immigrant in Malta.... ie the difference in skin color and the fact that one is there legally and contributing to the economy and the other is there illegally and perceived as a 'burden' to society.
Money talks Mr Farrugia-Borg...
RGatt
Dec 29th 2009, 16:10
Well said Paul Cave
Mario Farrugia-Borg
Dec 29th 2009, 15:21
@ Paul Cave
There is one very simple answer. Libya's borders are immense. The coast alone is 1770 km long. This not to mention the desert borders with Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Egypt, with a total land boundary length of 4,348 km
One Libyan gentleman once told me that if each and every Libyan hold hands, they would not even cover Libya's coast.
So tell me, if us in teeny weeny Malta cannot control our own borders and illegal immigration is rampant, how can we then expect Libya to control its own borders, which are immense?
Libya has its own illegal immigration problem as well, just like we do. But it does not mean illegal immigration is encouraged, far from it!
@ C Mercieca
You have a total misconception of "women in Islamic countries". You generalise.
@ Louise Vella
The whole point of my letter is to give first-hand experience. That is why I chose not to mention the report.
Paul Cave
Dec 29th 2009, 13:10
Firstly well done for writing this, it's rare to see both sides of a story here...one question: if Gaddafi is so opposed to African Emigration, how come he makes it so easy for people from all over Africa to use Libya as their jumping off point to enter Europe illegally?? Seems a strange contradiction to me.
lgalea
Dec 29th 2009, 11:56
You are right.
I heard mass several time in that Church in Tripoli and my experience is exactly like yours.
Illegal immigrants will dream up any story to make themselves look the underdogs.
They should all be expelled forthwith and not even allowed to set foot in Malta.
C Mercieca
Dec 29th 2009, 11:49
Dear Mr Farrugia,
you are forgetting one simple detail...you are a man, while women in islamic countries are treated as objects of possession.
louise vella
Dec 29th 2009, 11:18
The letter writer omitted to quote the following from The Times article about Tigiste:
“Her story is published in a report by the Jesuit Refugee Service, which argues that the migrants' tales are credible because they are so consistent. The JRS hopes that immigrants trying to reach Europe will stop being returned to Libya… The detention centres are described as hopeless, dark, overcrowded and lacking basic sanitation and hygiene facilities. Death, violence and racism are said to be the order of the day, with migrants being refused medical care and fed just two bread rolls a day. .. The Libyan government has not yet reacted to the damning claims made in the report, which can be accessed on www.jrsmalta.org.”
There is a very wide chasm between the version of the Jesuit Refugee Service report and that of the letter writer. As I have no direct knowledge of the facts I don’t know what to believe. I just suspend judgement.