AFM investigating Maltese soldiers' clash with civilians in Greece
The Armed Forces of Malta has launched an intensive investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding Maltese soldiers in Mitilini on the Greek island of Lesvos, who were involved in a clash with Greek civilians on Tuesday.
The five soldiers were serving on the Frontex Joint-Operation "Poseidon".
A Frontex statement said the soldiers were involved in a violent argument with local nightclub patrons and were arrested by the Greek police.
An AFM spokesman said this afternoon that the alleged incidents occurred during the soldiers’ off-duty hours.
“The AFM troops on Lesvos were immediately recalled to Malta even before the Frontex director issued an online statement.
“The soldiers arrived this afternoon and the AFM has launched an intensive investigation to ascertain the facts.”
A number of Maltese soldiers remain on the Greek island of Samos.
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Joe Fenech
Jun 5th 2011, 11:31
This has NOTHING to do with their work! They weren't on duty.
joe camenzuli
Mar 19th 2010, 10:23
In the British Forces the rules are that whether you are on duty and off duty you must be loyal to the uniform you are wearing and to your country that you are representing and to HM Crown
(in our case Malta and the head of the country which is the President). One must remember that those wearing the forces uniform are ambassadors of the country they represent and at no time must they show disrespect to the flag and to authority, and must not bring their uniform into disreput. Irrespective whether it is or not is their fault they should have used their common sense and walked away from trouble and therefore must face the consequences for their actions.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 19th 2010, 08:51
@ John Zammit: What is the fuss about, you ask? I sincerely hope that we have moved forward since the time of the British seamen in Malta. Also, I sincerely hope that we do not stoop that low in our behaviour and remember that wherever we are, we wear our flag and we are letting our own country down by misbehaving abroad! Moreover, it's soldiers we are talking about - people who should be an example to all.
Pamela Hansen
Mar 19th 2010, 08:23
What is soldier common behaviour?
Does John Zammit know what happened?
Perhaps he can let the rest of us know.
John Zammit
Mar 18th 2010, 19:51
What's the big fuss; this is quite common behaviour with soldiers serving overseas; have all forgotten the time of the British forces in Malta?
Franco Farrugia
Mar 18th 2010, 18:33
Perhaps it is too early to comment - but certainly, the Maltese authorities must investigate this matter.
T.BORG
Mar 18th 2010, 18:16
@CRISS CAMILLERI. NAHSEB BIL-KONTRA LANQAS IMHALSIN TA' META JKUNU ON DUTY.
Criss Camilleri
Mar 18th 2010, 16:42
I do not believe that there are any 'OFF DUTY HOURS' in the Army, and the Police.