Police deny claims by Fr Mark Montebello

Robert Callus

Feb 26th 2010, 18:16

It is ridiculous that some believe that one side or the other is right. We don't know and possibly never will. These judgements are only based on prejudice on either the police or Africans or both.

What is imperative is that the case is investigated seriously. While Fr Mark should not assume he is always told the truth by the alleged victims, neither should the Commissioner or other police authorities assume their underlings are always truthful. If they are in the wrong they probably aren't.

I beleive Mr Rizzo is a man of integrity and commend him to tell the public the whole truth after serious investigations.

PS Race has absolutely nothing to do with this. As someone mentioned here below, if these things are really taking place, the next victim can be you, regardless of nationality.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 26th 2010, 17:32

3) In the meantime, I reckon that racism/homophobia goes with the culture and therefore, not so easily eradicable. It is the nature of the beast. I find that the best way - which isn't anywhere near good enough - is to stay out of their way. The police have a tough job wherever they are, like mine was. I did mine honourably. And so should they, and everybody else. It is easy if you try. Unless you put yourself in an employ that rewards quotas. At the expense of innocent citizens.
I was wise AND HONOURABLE beyond my years even then. But I felt anger at the unfairness and humiliation and and and...... But I am older and infinitely more wise now. Anger would damage me and I wouldn't do that to a dog. So the best is to learn to watch people do themselves in without them even knowing it. Just keep out of the way. And know that when it's said that the law can be an ass, it's not entirely an asinine remark. Also, the guards need guardians. But what about the guardians who guard the guardians of the guards? (I hope I got that right LoL).

Joe Xuereb

Feb 26th 2010, 17:31

2) But no way was I going to allow some bastard to get away with earning a living at my expense. I wonder what happened to him and them. Because, in my experience, a person who is wilfully evil gets his comeuppance sooner or later.
It is wrong to be prejudiced. But whatever one feels after incidents like this, the feeling is not without a base. And so the human spirit is chipped away. I was awarded £80 which was a joke compared to my lawyer's fees, and no legal aid because I've worked professionally every single day of my fifty years in UK.
Someone here said that there is an independent body one can have recourse to here in UK. Well, I don't know. I know we get lots of sops every now and then and promises of new recruits being trained not to be racist/homophobic. We hear different reports.
cont./

Joe Xuereb

Feb 26th 2010, 17:30

1) Some twenty-five years ago I was arrested on what is called a 'trumped-up charge'. The charging officer was not in uniformed but all his cronies were. And they agreed with his 'charge' and the cold insults in and out of the cell. The kindest words were: 'Admit your guilt and you'll get a fine of a piffling £30. Otherwise, you risk 'professional such-and-such accused of such-and-such in Kensington' being splashed across the newspapers (all this because I dare to be a foreigner and a queer one too boot). I was even insulted because I happened to have a copy of Oggi with me and they wanted to know what it was. Referring to it as Oggey (with a hard G). I decided to fight the case because I am not going to allow some blue-eyed bully-boy demolish me. It took me six months and a small fortune to, no, not clear my name, but to be told by the magistrate that the case could not be proven. In other words, there is a shadow over me.
cont./

marlon bugeja

Feb 26th 2010, 17:03

nixtiq ninforma lil fr mark monntabelo ili il loghoba bejn EVERTON vs CHELSEA kinet intlabet Date:10-02-10Kick-off:21:00.alura kif mar biex jara il loghoba fis 7.u nixtiq nikoregik ili MISTY BLUE SPORTS BAR Ura il loghoba fil hin kif supost.biex meta titkelem kunn cert mili ijat tajd ax ma tantx hu sabieh ili isemi isem ta hanut f"negativ.ax kif semejt int isu ma intwerax il loghob.

Darby Allen

Feb 26th 2010, 13:48

Carmen Thomas: I clearly stated that SOME Malta Police officers were letting the side down; I did not accuse the entire force.
Joe Fenech: I was not defending any British police force; none of them came into it.
Did either of you actually read my letter before submitting your rants?

Joe Fenech

Feb 26th 2010, 13:17

Fr Montebello needs to back up his claims by proper evidence.

G. Borg

Feb 26th 2010, 11:54

What happened to your son then Mr.John Spiteri?

colin stanley

Feb 26th 2010, 10:32

what is it with some people,always the same story, Because he's black,because he's black.first of all see how many africans we have in our prison already, are they there because they are black, or because they committed a crime? secondly these incidents with the police happened to Maltese people also,especially in the past.!!!! and thirdly where was Fr. Mark when the police apparently had a go at the Maltese girl in St. georges bay. he didn't protest that time? 99% of the time the Police are doing their job well, and please stop using the Racist card everytime there is a black man involved in a crime.

RGatt

Feb 26th 2010, 10:20

Was Fr. Montebello there when all these incidents happened? Why would Fr. Montebello believe Mr. Iseki and not the police? Why are most of you assuming that Fr. Montebello's version is the truth and not the police version?

Alex Wright

Feb 26th 2010, 08:13

Maybe Fr M Montebello should do a good deed to everyone and go to these African countries and preach to the people there and tell their leaders to stop torchering, killing, raping and all other unhumane things to their people. He should go there and fight for their rights, it is useless to fight for their unjustly rights, their rights are to respect the country that is giving them shelter and helping in feeding them, clothing them and eductating them apart from giving them work and money. So Fr. M Montebello stop painting them as if they are saints more holly than the saints in haven. I bid you a safe journy Fr. and may you find your call like the son of God did when he walked among the sheep and wolves.

C Thomas

Feb 26th 2010, 08:12

My point is that before we judge these people, shouldn't we at least wait and see whether the accusations were right (or wrong?). Using examples of past wrongs cannot prove the veracity this story.

Carmen Thomas

Feb 26th 2010, 07:46

@ Darby Allen: As a former policeman I'd have expected you to be less prone to generalisations. So, using your mind-boggling methods reasoning, I should assume that all polcemen in the uk peddle drugs since Mark Bohannan did, all UK police are fraudsters (AMEX scandal) and of course the variuos cases of brutality and racism by the your police force signify that all of you are racist and prone to using excessive force. Very selective memory you have there... good to know you're not a policemen any more!

Karen Gauci

Feb 26th 2010, 07:26

If Fr Montebello is right the police should be ashamed.

Denis Catania

Feb 26th 2010, 06:54

What makes some people who are trying to play the race card know 100% that Mr.Iseki is a black man ? We know he is 33. We know he is from Nigeria. Where does it say he is black ? Can someone copy and paste the part of the article that tells us what color is Mr.Iseki. Can the do-gooders please stop playing the race card and find a better game. We are sick of your games.

Kevin Curmi

Feb 26th 2010, 00:40

If only Fr Montebello had tried to verify this story before making it public.To all of you who gave your opinion about this NEWS now i hope you read the Police reaction to this false statement and learn to hear both sides of the stories before giving your bla bla bla.

Stephen Farrugia

Feb 26th 2010, 00:07

I believe the police for one simple reason. I trust them and they have always been correct when I saw them working and giving a service.

Stephen Farrugia Right-wing

laurence schembri

Feb 25th 2010, 23:44

Refused bail, why? All he did was resisting arrest. Why Mr.Iseki was arrested the police did not say. We have people roaming our streets on bail for much bigger offences than resisting arrest, some on bail for years, there is something that is drastically wrong in this country.
Racism is the first thing that comes to mind, even from people in high positions.

Joe Fenech

Feb 25th 2010, 22:35

Darby Allen (ex West Yorkshire Police):

How could you defend the British polices force when this is countantly being sued for violating human rights (keeping DNA of innocent people, arresting people with only allegations as proof...)?

C.ZARB

Feb 25th 2010, 22:34

A police got injured and yet, certain people are only concerned about the other guy. I often wonder what the usual people expect from us. Should we start throwing the police in jail to allow space for the poor 'victims of society'?

And Fr Montebello should be accountable to what he says on the media. If he is caught twisting the truth then he should be prosecuted for it according to the Maltese law.

Ivan Attard

Feb 25th 2010, 22:27

Fr. Mark is a PRO tactician and can use the media to highlight his 'heroics'.
I would appreciate having Mark Montebello leap to the defense of his compatriots in similar circumstances more often than making the usual noises almost invariably where illegal migrants are concerned.

P Muscat

Feb 25th 2010, 22:02

Fr Mark is only reacting on hearsay and on what Mr. Iseki told him.
Fr Mark cannot be always right when he speaks against what the police does and in favour of criminals and prisoners.
Prisoners and criminals are not always right either.
Have a break Fr Mark please!!

J. Borg

Feb 25th 2010, 21:33

From my own experiences, at and with some of the police officers at Qawra Police Station - complemented by a temporary stay in the lock up therein......and coincidently again because it was alleged that I pushed a hippo size inspector, after being injustly called in....
I have to say that I believe Mr.Iseki hundred times more than the police statements, and I express my solidarity with him and my admiration of Fr.Montebello for showing all and sundry (included his supposedly spiritual leaders) the true spirit of love and compassion for the weak, underpriviledged and exploited.

m farrugia

Feb 25th 2010, 20:56

Mhux haga normali li l-pulizija johorgu stqarrija. Imma minhabba dak li jidher li hu l-gideb sfrenat li kien hemm f'dak li s-sur Iseki qal lil Patri Montabello u dan minghajr ma iccekja mal-pulizija qabad u ippublika f'din l-istorja il-Korp ħass li ghandhom jaghmel hekk. Nistennew reazzjoni minn Patri Montebello ghal dak li qalu l-pulizija u jekk jirrizulta li dak li inkiteb mhux minnu anki apologija. Ma nafx kemm sa jasal li jaghmel hekk Patri Montebello. Nistaqsi jekk lil Awtoritajiet tal-Knisja qalhomx li kien se jippublika din l-istorja, u jekk iva jekk dawn tawħx l-awtorita li jaghmel hekk minghajr ma jiċċekja mal pulizija. Patri Montebello nitolbok sabiex ma tkomplix taghmel ħsara. Il-patrijiet Dumnikani dejjem il-bxara it-tajba waslu kull fejn kienu

John Smith

Feb 25th 2010, 20:55

Fr Mark please continue your good work.

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 25th 2010, 19:40

@JeremyCamilleri You are absolutely correct. These abuses are not restricted to foreigners only. They should be investigated by a disciplinary body that is not part and parcel of the police force. Since Roman times it has been asked "Quis custodet ipsos custodes?" i.e. who will keep watch over the guards?. I myself have had occasion to report misbehaviour on the part of a member of the Force and the way my complaint was perfunctorily dismissed after an internal investigation was sheer arrogance.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Feb 25th 2010, 18:42

I commenbd Fr Montebello for the action taken. It is such a disgrace when any public officer, let alone our police act in such a manner. However, I would once again like to stress, that this type of behaviour, in which plain clothes policemen accost someone without identifying themselves, has happened to a number of Maltese in the not-too-distant past, including friends of mine. Before we start playing the rascist card, with some even trying to justify this situation becuase the victim was black, let us not forget, this could happen to YOU!

Mark Aloisio

Feb 25th 2010, 18:12

M. G. Farrugia: This is not the first such incident by the police toward immigrants or people of a different colour. I hope nothing like this ever happens but if it does I hope that the next unfortunate victim holds a European or American passport and that they will not hesitate to file a lawsuit. We will then get the publicity that we deserve.

Darby Allen (ex West Yorkshire Police)

Feb 25th 2010, 18:02

Yet again some members of the Malta Police allegedly show themselves to be thugs who consider themselves above the law, and bring the whole force into disrepute.
In 2008 it was the case of Abubaker of Burkina Faso, apprehended in Paceville by officers who did not identify themselves (Times, 17 Aug 2008).
In 2009 Claudio Overend was beaten by police at St Julian's and no investigation was made into this incident (Times 14 Oct 2009).
When is it going to stop, Commissioner Rizzo?

M.G. Farrugia

Feb 25th 2010, 17:28

Nistaqsi lil-pulizija li kieku flok nigerjan kien xi tourist minn xi pajjiz iehor qieghed jippassigga go Bugibbba u pulizija pajzana daħalhom xi dubju fih skond kif irrakonta Patri Mark dan kien jigi trattat l-istess. Kaz bhal dan ftit li xejn smajna kif il-pulizija ittrattaw mieghu. Noqghodu attenti li dan mhux xi kaz ta razzizmu.

T.gauci

Feb 25th 2010, 17:23

Fr Montebello thinks he knows everything.

Paul Bonnici

Feb 25th 2010, 17:03

Fr Mark is a true Christian, he is performing the role of a selfless priest.

This Nigerian in question probably should not be in Malta in the first place, I cannot see any reason why Nigerians should qualify for asylum.

Nigeria is huge and there is plenty of space in Nigeria for him to seek sanctuary in his own country.

Once in Malta, this Nigerian should enjoy justice like anyone else, and he should not be mistreated.

Alex Ellul

Feb 25th 2010, 15:31

@Lawrence Schembri: You are unfortunately right to say that racism is alive and well. That's what happens when the local and EU authorities fail to address a big problem such as illegal migration, a criminal activity funded by international criminals and abetted by corrupt politicians in third-world countries. When such a problem persists due to our authorities' inaction, this is opportunistically picked up by the fringe parties and extremists who in turn will start winning the middle-ground vote. This is a very dangerous situation, caused by the mainstream politicians failures.

charles Camilleri

Feb 25th 2010, 15:29

Again before we jump to conclusion we must hear the police version.

t. borg

Feb 25th 2010, 14:35

'Up till that moment, Mr. Iseki still had no face to face encounter with the investigating police inspector. That happened on his third day in custody". jekk huwa veru li dan inzamm tlett ijiem mela dan kien arrest illegali. jew fr.mark jikkoregi jew iridu jittiehdu passi kontra min arresta persuna aktar minn 48 siegha b'mod illegali. nistenna bi dritt li nkun naf il-fatti vera fejn zgur li l-kummissarju prezenti mhux se jaccetta arrest illegali min-nies tieghu.

Louis Gialanze

Feb 25th 2010, 14:26

Fr Montebello's version of events is to be taken with a pinch of salt. This controversial priest is known for his pro- immigrant stance and this could well turn out to be another of his media exploitation tactics. I would rather wait for the police statement.

Joseph Schembri

Feb 25th 2010, 14:03

Most priests should be ashamed that they leave Fr. Mark on his own in his fight for justice. I wish I could give all priests the respect that they deserve but when I hear them preach from the pulpit and afterward see them do the exact opposite in their life I feel so sad.

In the past as a youth I was also accosted at night by men in plainclothes in an unidentified car while walking back home through a dark road with a friend. Our first instinct was to protect ourselves from four burly and criminal looking men. We actually bent down to pick up a couple of rocks to throw at them should they try any funny business with us.

To this day I have no idea why they stopped two handsome (what nowadays would be called boys) at night who were walking quietly home. They saw the rocks in our hands... asked us a few silly questions and drove off. The mind boggles.

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 25th 2010, 13:25

If the version given by Fr Monebello is true it discloses a grossly unjust state of affairs that must be remedied at once.

laurence schembri

Feb 25th 2010, 13:18

When you read some people's comments, you will realise, that racism in Malta is alive and well and growing promisingly.

John Smith

Feb 25th 2010, 12:55

Jimmy,

It is pointless training a watchdog, if the thief can learn new tricks.

Hence the need to educate citizens and civil servants alike. This is something the Church is well positioned to do. The effectiveness of the homily is not tso much he delivery at the pulpit, than the change seen on the highways and the byways.

a.dalli

Feb 25th 2010, 12:54

And some blobers maintain that Libya is lawless.........................

stelmart khalil

Feb 25th 2010, 12:53

@ Franco Farrugia & Mario Mifsud - Well said! Thank-you
@ mick borg - Kif wasalt ghal dik il-konkluzjoni?! ghamilt xi studju estensiv?!

Aimee Fenech

Feb 25th 2010, 12:38

The police should have identified themselves when they first approached him and his appointed lawyer should have gone to meet his client if not immediately at least the morning after he was arrested. If the correct procedures weren't followed then there should be an investigation within the police force to establish any needs for improvements in the procedures and to establish whether the police need to retraining in these regards.

GAFFARENA JOSEPH

Feb 25th 2010, 12:36

I, want to hear the police version as well.

Jimmy Magro

Feb 25th 2010, 12:26

I take a totally diffeent approach as I am concerned with GOVERNANCE rather than blogging passez remarks as if I am en E.T.

This case begs the question: Does Malta has a unit to investigate abuse by the members of the Police Corps.

In Engand they have a special unit for this work. As far as I know in the US they also have a similar institution.

It is not a question of this person, but if Malta has a similar unit we would have solved the issue permanently as people who feel aggrieved by police actions they know they have a way to get justice.

Is this a case that the Ombudsman can investigate? is this maladminstration?

But everyone agrees that we are all equal under the law and we all enjoy the same human rights.

matt azzopardi

Feb 25th 2010, 12:17

Fr montebello should concentrate more on other MUCH more important issues than this one.............. cant wait to hear the other sides version!!!

Gianninu Salina

Feb 25th 2010, 12:12

Can somebody tell me how it works out that this gentleman will be in custody for 30 on March 2 if he was locked up on February 10? Counting the days on my fingers it worked out to be 20 days. But if he is innocent as he claims, then it is 20 days too much.

TBriffa

Feb 25th 2010, 11:56

Horror story. Reminds me of some terrifying stories of the old South Africa. There's a very thin line between man's humanity and his cruelty. It's very worrying when skin colour makes a man cross this line.

John Spiteri

Feb 25th 2010, 11:46

My twenty year old son, was involved in a similar incident while walking home in the early hours, after being at a party.
An unidentified car with four men braked suddenly, and two men jumped out. My son who is quite athletic, simply sprinted off with the men struggling to catch up.
After running quite some distance, one of the man shouted that they were police officers, and my son stopped and turned back. He later found out that they were looking for an Englishman, who had burglared a shop, and like my son, the man happened to be blond.
It seems, that a few of our plain clothes cops were influenced after watching " Starky & Hutch.

D.MANGION

Feb 25th 2010, 11:36

GRAZZI FR. MARK MONTEBELLO !

TABILHAQQ GRAZZI MILL QALB.

This is not the first case of bullying by the men in uniforms in Malta. This is not the first case of bullying by the men in uniforms all over the world.

I suggest that everybody watches the film "Changeling". A freightenly true story that only came to see the light decades after it actually occurred. From the USA to Turkey to Malta, the story is always the same....people who abuse of their position...and other people who cover them up in order to safeguard the reputation of the institution....and all this at the expense of the poor, the emarginated, the defenseless.

Occasionally, a hero (like Fr. Mark Montebello) decides to put his neck out, in the interests of the emarginated.

He may not be always right. He may not be a master in diplomacy....but Fr. Mark is unable to silence his own concience.....and that is indeed a great quality.

May God be with you, Fr. Mark.

d.attard

Feb 25th 2010, 11:09

Official reaction to this worrying testimony is of paramount importance. The fourth estate should also mobilise to get answers to the many questions raised here. We all stand to suffer If civil rights become blurred at the edges. Prosit Fr Mark. You sustain my faith in the church of the holy spirit.

Paul Barrett

Feb 25th 2010, 11:05

I can understand the Police wishing to make an arrest without pre-warning the suspect however this can work both ways and it is quite human to repel what would appear to be an assault. There is therefore an unfortunate tendency by plain clothes Policemen to act or start asking questions before identifying themselves. This has happened to me twice in the last couple of months but I have to admit that they have always been polite and have willingly shown their Identity Cards on being requested. It would be of assistance if they actually started a conversation or action with "I am a Police Officer" (or appropriate words to that effect). By taking this very minor action, a lot of the aggravation/suspicion of being assaulted or questioned would be taken out of the equation and a lot more assistance to the Police would be given by the public.

sean grima

Feb 25th 2010, 10:48

everyone who is in malta is equal before the law, both in terms of rights and duties, irrespective of skin colour. sweeping statements such as "many nigerians commit crimes" are illogical. many maltese commit crimes abroad, for that matter!

ABORG

Feb 25th 2010, 10:45

let's here both sides of the story....before commenting....

Manuel C.Cachia

Feb 25th 2010, 10:42

And this is just his statement right where they all say how innocent they are and that it was the policeman's fault. Monday goes to court on tuesday. Fr Montebello try to pull the other leg. Let justice have its course.

Andrew Battenti

Feb 25th 2010, 10:34

Is it so difficult to treat Mr Iseki like the person he is to be? More discipline in the Police Corps, please.

Mario Mifsud

Feb 25th 2010, 10:31

@ Mick Borg

I lthink you may have some flawed logic ....they do not have rights because some of them are bad ! ....some Maltese immigrants in the the 60's and 70's in London, went into some not too reputable business and as such developed a name for themselves. Luckily the British attitude to the Maltese was tainted by the misdemenours of a few......and in my time in London I have never encountered the hostile attitude you seem to accept and expect that we level onto Nigerians....

clive borg

Feb 25th 2010, 10:29

@ mick borg

Igifieri ahna l-maltin suppost kollha nahsbuwha bhalek ghax int Malti... int qed titfana go keffa wahda.

Igifieri jekk sar qtil minnek ghandha tehel persuna nigerjana, anke jekk ma kinitx fuq il-post waqt dak il-hin, imma just ghax l-iktar kazijiet jaharqu isiru minn nies nigerjani! U takuzah minajr provi u izomhu il-habs!

Ma tistax tghid li il-puluzija imginen imma qedin imhalsin biex jaqdu dmirhom sew u ma juzawz diskriminazjoni!

Kenneth Cassar

Feb 25th 2010, 10:28

Ghaziz Mick Borg,

Jekk dak li qed jallega Fr Montebello hu korrett, din il-persuna kellha kull dritt tirrezisti lill-individwi mhux identifikati jekk dawn ma wrewhx dokument li juri li human pulizija.

Dak li qed issemmi int ma ghandux x'jaqsam ma dan il-kaz. Il-fatt hu li persuni akkuzati b'reati ferm aktar gravi inghataw bail, mentri dan ma nghatax, meta hu allegatament innocenti (jekk il-kaz kien kif deskritt, hu sempliciment harab min dak li bir-ragun assuma li huma aggressuri, u sahansitra waqqaf pulizija bl-uniformi), u nzamm ghal xahar shih meta l-pulizija stess jafu li hu ma kellux x'jaqsam ma attentat ta serq.

Nassumi li kieku kont int, kont tahsiba differenti.

D.Galea

Feb 25th 2010, 10:19

Mr. Iseki's turn will come, in time. This could turn out to be his blessing at the cost of this -INSERT DEFINITION HERE- island which will only have itself to blame.

Franco Farrugia

Feb 25th 2010, 10:18

@ Mich Borg - nahseb li jinthieglek ftit tahrig fil-logika!

jsaliba

Feb 25th 2010, 10:17

Everyone should be equal before the law. fr Mark Montebello's defence of human rights is something to reckon with. He deserves our admiration besides the attention of the authorities concerned. Believing the reverend one have to wait for the other side of the coin to reveal itself. Vexation of the kind if proven are to be compensated.

R.Degiorgio

Feb 25th 2010, 10:07

Same old story!!!!

mick borg

Feb 25th 2010, 09:51

Ghaziz Fr. Montebello ,

Prezentament madwar id dinja l aktar kazijiet jaharqu ta qtil , droga u tahwid illegali jkunu involuti fihom nies Nigerjani ! certament li l pulizija maltin mumiex imgienen !

Michael Vella

Feb 25th 2010, 09:46

Shame on the police force if the story above is fact!