Maltese soldiers claim they were acting in self-defence
The Maltese soldiers involved in a fight with civilians in Mitilini, Lesvos were constrained to defend themselves when they were attacked by Greek locals, the Armed Forces of Malta said.
The AFM said in a statement that two Maltese soldiers on Frontex duties on the Greek island were in a downtown bar early on Wednesday when they were off-duty.
For no apparent reason, Greek locals in the same bar attacked them. One of the two AFM personnel managed to extract himself from the bar, and sought the support of three other colleagues of his team, who were also off-duty, to extract their remaining team member from inside the bar, where he was having problems with the aggressors.
The Hellenic Police of Mitilini were eventually summoned and the Maltese soldiers were taken to the central station.
The soldiers were informed that the Greeks were not pressing charges and they were asked if they wanted to press charges against these locals. In view of this decision by the locals, the Maltese soldiers decided not to press charges.
The AFM said the soldiers were then later charged, in the local court, with having three batons and one can of pepper spray in their vehicle. They were also charged with damaging the hotel where they were billeted, an issue which the AFM intends to contest at the next court sitting on October 14.
The AFM said that on returning to their lodgings, its soldiers were not allowed inside by the hotel management and while they were waiting, they were again approached and attacked by a group of locals, wearing helmets and caps, and armed with bars and pepper spray as they rode on scooter bikes.
Some of the AFM personnel managed enter the hotel, while others ran in different directions.
The Mitilini police were again summoned and the Greek attackers scattered. The hotel’s owner alleged that damages were incurred to his property, and started demanding reimbursement.
The AFM said that all its personnel who were stationed on deployment on Lesvos returned to Malta early yesterday afternoon. The soldiers had been immediately recalled as soon as the army was made aware of what happened and even before their recall was requested by the Frontex director.
The army was also conducting an internal investigation to determine the true and correct facts.
“Whilst it is regretful that the incident has taken place, and which does nobody any good, it is indeed unfortunate that this has taken place.
“Headquarters AFM acknowledges and understands the requirement to ensure what Director Ilka Laitenen stated that ‘Frontex and participating member states must uphold the highest professional and ethical standard both on and off duty,’” the AFM said.
However, Greek media and online blog reports unjustifiably condemned the five Maltese soldiers, rather than the incident, the army said.
It said that the accusations made in the said reports, quoting alleged injuries to Greek nationals and various damages to the hotel they were billeted in, were being strongly contested.
“The AFM remains committed to provide Frontex the fullest information on this incident, and it shall continue assisting the Greek authorities in stemming the flows of illegal immigration in the Greek Aegean islands.”
Maltese soldiers have been participating in Frontex joint-operation “Poseidon” for these last four years, with around 80 AFM personnel deployed so far.
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Joe Xuereb
Mar 25th 2010, 02:04
2) Mr. Vella, miffed at my 'disrespect', as perceived by him, towards the blond fleets, astutely remarked that the whore bars (in Strait Street) were not owned/opened by these men of the sea. But they used them alright. He continues, Molly wasn't exactly a nun (slip of the tongue maybe) so she got what she deserved is the implication (Maltese is a tone language, very subtle, and cannot be translated. The tone says it all). But he prays for her salvation. I guess one could say the blond fleets offer some hope of salvation. But it does't come cheap. Selling of the soul comes to mind. Prayer for Molly is a clever, if transparent, antidote to a bitten tongue. Yes, this is what I am, a social observer. So watch it!
Proudly made in Malta. In her place I would look at these two and think, 'Is this the weight I laboured under for two consecutive nine month periods plus morning-sickness? I wish I hadn't bothered.
M. Farrugia. Really!! Yours takes the biscuit. So the Maltese should boycott Greece. What about the Maltese murdered in London. And elsewhere. We boycott UK? And elsewhere?
Joe Xuereb
Mar 25th 2010, 01:48
1) The problem with knee-jerk reactions is - one ends up sounding like a jerk.
As I social observer I have been called a lackey for observing that in my, and anybody else's experience with eyes wide open, the personnel on American and British fleets were known for boozing, often brawling and making a slippery mess. And they did not, or were told not to, mix with us mortal natives. One does not build empires on too much camaraderie. Familiarity breeds contempt. Famously out of Britannia, where else. Fact. Not so their Mediterranean counterparts, coming as they did from cultures similar to ours. If encouraged - native Maltese women loved them, they mixed with us natives. They'd never built an empire.
cont./
Joe Xuereb
Mar 23rd 2010, 18:11
Oh dear, you can spoon-feed them and still they don't understand.
Poor Molly, but she wasn't a nun you know. Still, we'll pray for her. Very Maltese, praying.
And what's this nonsense about me keeping my things - I think he meant thoughts - to myself? What if what I have to say proved useful to him that took offence? What if what I say could be useful to someone else? We must fight for the right to be 'offended' if we want to claim that we live in a democracy. And please, before you shoot venom, try and understand what you read.
I would not like a son of mine to be in a situation whereby he would sin or be sinned against. I would not be happy with him/her as a soldier, useful as they are I guess. It is a moot point in any case. I have no progeny, known or otherwise, since I have never consorted with women, mollies or decent. Nudge! Nudge!
Quoting myself, as social-observer: 'Times have changed for us all of course and we must not judge without knowing the full facts (which won't happen given the nature of the beast)'. Quite!
m.farrugia
Mar 21st 2010, 22:39
Il-Griegi donnhom ma jistawx jaraw Malti. Nafu x'gara ftit ilu meta qatlu Malti Awstraljan brutalment go bar ukoll. Nappella lil Maltin sabiex jibbojkotjaw il-Grecja u jahsbu darbtejn meta ikun se jsiefru. B'hekk zgur ma ikollomx incidenti.
Anthony Grech
Mar 21st 2010, 18:17
Sounds like a typical Saturday night in St Julians.
Evarist Saliba
Mar 21st 2010, 16:09
@ Joseph Vassallo
Obviously, you have no idea, at all, what the work of a country's representative in another, even at the rank of ambassador, involves. My contacts were not just ladies. I even had to enter a prison to help co-nationals.
I compared the experience of the unfortunate soldiers with other people under the same circumstances boith in Malta and abroad, including Greece.
Danny Doughty
Mar 21st 2010, 16:01
Good for the Maltese soldiers, i expect they where taking a bit of crap of the greeks and decided to do something about it, we brits are just like that nothing wrong sticking up for yourself.
Mark Borg
Mar 21st 2010, 15:08
@ joe Xuereb..
you said about the maltese for opt for copying others with blond hair and money and bad attitude and so on...
I think that you are a social observer 'Laqi' tal-Barrani." What if one of the Maltese INJURED soldier was your child???
I don't go far away! Remember 2 years ago!! the maltese-austrailian guy who was beaten up by the security guy in GREECE and went home in BOX!! already forget that case?? so pls the best you can do,stay obsever and keep your things to yourself..
Proudly Made in Malta
victor vella
Mar 21st 2010, 14:20
@ Joe Xuereb
wold you consider for a monet that the attitude of the American and British personel on our shores was triggered by the Maltese? I do not think that the whore shops were opened by British or American people, I do not think that Molly was a nun( still I pray God for her salvation)I remember a bar in cospicua called the First & Last Bar serving tea in the morning and women in the evenngs. Yes we are Maltese and we take no crap.Once again to the soldiers involved I say God Bless you for defending yourself so well.
Joe Xuereb
Mar 21st 2010, 12:55
4) I can well imagine these Maltese soldiers on Mytilini behaving like their British counterparts would (apologies dear soldiers if you are as pure as the proverbial driven snow). All patronising in a foreign land of no consequence. Fuelled by cheap Greek booze. I am a social observer and I don't do nonsense. But we do not as yet know the facts. IF this is indeed a case of aggressive human-trafficers protecting their turf - Greece and the Greeks are a decent people with a long tradition of honour and reason and soul. But even they produce the odd bixkilla (wicker basket) of bad apples. Just like Malta in fact. Keeping in mind that the Greek is fiercely independent, an individual character to be reckoned with. A million miles from the Maltese who opts for copying others with blond hair and money and bad attitude. And unfortunately, in his naivete he copies the wrong things.
Joe Xuereb
Mar 21st 2010, 12:50
3) I digress. Our neighbourly youngsters on their ships - oh not for them the lurid neon lights of Strait Street and vomit in the gutter. They had no money or inclination for that kind of thing. That kind of thing was more popular with the British and the USA marines. Who were there for the booze, the brawls, the broads and the occasional murder (Molly s-Sewda comes to mind).
Now the Maltese, ever the Maltese, looked up at these blond rambos and looked down on the neighbouring countries because they were too much like us, filthy and poor and powerless and empireless. So they were lackeys to the monied American and Brritisher ass. And you know, many still do.
cont./
Joe Xuereb
Mar 21st 2010, 12:31
2) (I remember myself and a friend being taken on board a Greek frigatemoored at Pieta` and the sailors were plying us two youngsters with huge dollops of Greek ice-cream in a tea-cup and giving us a huge, but I mean a huge tablespoon to eat it with. Imagine the British Navy inviting locals onto their ship - This is why Britain built an empire. You do not build empires if you're nice. Empires are built on stiff upper lips and patronising attitudes - they referred to us Maltese as 'the natives'. I remember my dad arguing this point. To the occupying British, a native was a native as understood of people inhabiting far-flung islets like the Seychelles or Barbados, etc.
cont./
Joe Xuereb
Mar 21st 2010, 12:26
1) Times have changed for us all of course and we must not judge without knowing the full facts (which won't happen given the nature of the beast). But, as a social observer, I have this to say.
The British abroad way back then - sailors in Strait Street - create mayhem with their boozey cultural habits. I grew up with the fleets of the countries surrounding my own. Italians, Spanish, Greeks, Turks, Yugoslavs, the friggin lot. These did not have much money, especially if they were doing their stint in their National Service. What little money they earned they spent on dolls, and lace, and powder puffs to take back to their womenfold. And they amused themselves by joining the Maltese on their passiggata (up and down Republic Street in the 50s and 60s) I am talking about, or the ice-cream parlour that was ix-Chalet tas-Sliema. I have photographs to prove all this. These were nice boys from nice countries with nice families, with decent values.
cont./
James Portelli
Mar 20th 2010, 17:05
@ J.Scicluna: ‘Factual explanation’
Regrettably we will never get a factual explanation in such cases. Call me paranoid but I have my own theory:
The objective of FRONTEX is to control illegal immigration. In ‘guerrilla heaven’ (such as some of Greek islands) not every one supports FRONTEX efforts. Could the objective of some of the ‘locals’ be to put a bee in the bonnet of FRONTEX troops? Are there other nationalities there serving FRONTEX? Is this an isolated case? Summer (and clement weather) is approaching with the increased promise of business for people traffickers who are more organised than some of us believe….. Just a thought!
Mark Borg
Mar 20th 2010, 15:39
Before anyone of you want to make any comments to try to make fun or to make a story of your own,remember that these 5 soldiers are MALTESE(maybe relatives ) and they PROUDLY were serving our country to help another country, while you are here in the serenity of your home watching what is happening in Greece.
May these soldiers will be fit again to continue the professional work in the AFM.
Wishing a speedy health recovery for these personnel.Get well soon.
Proudly made in Malta.
Chris Grillo
Mar 21st 2010, 08:32
Flipping right mate. I have a brother in the army, and he never forgets to remind me that they are extremely disciplined.
Although I would pity the Greek if he was attacked...usually in jest we try to subdue him(3 of us!)...but the training provided is superb..and we usually lose out..
MALTIN!!! Niddefendu lil Maltin!!!!
B Caruana
Mar 20th 2010, 15:28
There is always two sides to the story and i sincerely believe that the Maltese guys were acting in self defence, unless the sgt.Major expects our boys to lay down and take a beating from a group of Greek morons. Its just not in our Maltese blood, we are a friendly nation and i think the Zorbas were intimidating our boys, lets put it this way when i was in Germany very often the British lads were in scuffles with the skin heads or as we used to call them square'eds meaning the Jerries., and being in the army that is what they actually are trianed for either to fight in self defence or run like a coward, and i know for sure our lads are real soldiers with the expertise to match anyone in the world if necessary.
Charles Sammut(NY)
Mar 20th 2010, 13:26
Glad to see the Maltese soldiers not turning the other cheek and defending themselves. Wasn't there an Australian of Maltese descent severely beaten in Greece recently? By the way why are the Maltese soldiers not patrolling the shores of Malta looking for the illegal boat landings?
Ray Zammit
Mar 20th 2010, 13:06
They should consider themselves extremly lucky not brought back home in body bags!! Its premature to comment just hearing one side of the story,unless we here the other side of the story cannot come to a conclusion and point our fingers.Hope the truth will come and maybe a lesson will be learned that if you're in rome do like the romans.
Raymond Hinton
Mar 20th 2010, 11:51
These " locals " that attacked the AFM lads, were they old men and women with an age old grudge, i think not, just a bunch of youths out to cause bother, and the Maltese soldiers were an easy target, as (unlike the locals ) they are ambassadors for their country, and would if they could behave so, (this is drummed into every soldier that serves oversea`s ) so it must have taken a lot of provocation to set these lads off ! thats the paradox of soldiers, we train them to fight,and be aggressive and when they do, we punish them, these guys were provoked by a bunch of yokels out for trouble, they should be given a medal for not killing the lot of them, i was a soldier in the 70`s,in the Brit army, ive been there too, Go AFM you rank with the best !
Alfred Demicoli
Mar 20th 2010, 11:31
Where were the Hellenic police when our boys were attacked for the second time outside their hotel? This time the Greek gang were armed with illegal weapons. Why did the police charge our boys for the same reason and not the local gang? The fact that our boys felt the need to be prepared while off duty indicates that they were aware of gang activity on the island and, rightly so, took precautions. Yet there is no mention of weapons being actually used by our boys even when they were attacked - twice. It is admirable on the AFM's part to back it's own and demand justice. Well done boys. You have proved that you are no pushovers and can hold your own. You make us proud both on home ground and elsewhere.
Joseph Stafrace
Mar 20th 2010, 11:29
What has been overlooked in this debate is the fact that the soldiers were all volunteers and were in the greek islands helping the greeks stem the tide of illegal imigrants. I have this nagging feeling that they may be in the way of some local human trafficers who do not want them around. In the meantime; pending an official inquiry we should support our troops .
Evarist Saliba
Mar 20th 2010, 11:13
"Paroli zejda."
Some comments hereunder fit this description well.
I would rather wait for more details before condemning anyone, but I definitely see nothing wrong in servicemen going to a club to relax when not on duty, or defending themselves in case of need.
However, for those who remember the old days of Strada Stretta, and indeed the current ones in Paceville, as well as in other similar places, locally or abroad (remember Mykinos ?) the risk of trouble when drink reduces inhibitions and fuels resentment towards perceived "intruders" is always present.
I was Malta's first resident ambassador in Greece. I have fond memories of my stay there. Let not an incident such as this be blown out of all proportions.
Joseph Vassallo
Mar 20th 2010, 12:39
Are you, by any chance, comparing the respect shown to the position of accredited ambassador with that shown to soldiers on detachment? If an ambassador speaks to a lady he is perceived as benevolent, noble and a feather in a hat; if a soldier does the same, he is perceived as something totally different.
Maybe Frontex NEEDS to investigate what other activities are being practised on Lesbos, because it wasn't so long ago that Greek police from the mainland were shot by gangsters trying to protect their illicit drug industry, albeit on another Greek island. I say Frontex because it seems the local police are very protective of its locals.
Who would pick a fight with a couple of well-behaved soldiers having a drink in a bar and who then need to be extracted from their assailants?
Anthony Briffa pensioner @
Mar 20th 2010, 10:17
Although i wasen't there with the soldiers, i truely believe that our boys were acting in self defence, its common sence, i know of many such incidents in Malta when the RN were stationed here, and many times i use to hear young chaps at the time in the 60's how they gang up on a poor drunken British sailor(s) when in small numbers and thats the Maltese, now i think the shoe is on the other foot and these Greek jobos in a large number must have picked on our boys just for a laugh or to see what they do, and as it happens we are a nation of brave people and never run away from self defence. Thats my opinion as an ex-service man in years gone by. No small number of soldiers are going to start a punch up with a group of loclas on their own home ground, cause they know the consequences from when returning back to the barracks, also depends if they were in uniform which tends to be rather intimidating to some locals abroad, same story with the Brits.at the time. Malta the Brave.
mario aquilina
Mar 20th 2010, 09:46
Jien nahseb li dan kollu gej min xi daqsxejn paroli zejjed. Ahna il Maltin maghrufin li nhobbu niftahru bina n'nifisna. Din id daqsxejn ta blata f'nofs ta bahar, li rasna l'koll ikbar minnha.
Charmaine Marmara'
Mar 20th 2010, 09:32
@m bezzina...i can still see imigrants here and the frontex is still not helping very well so why do we have to shut up ....u did good soldiers...they started it for no apparent reason ....what do you have them do sit around and do nothing ??? and if u havent noticed malta is already sinking..
M.Bezzina
Mar 20th 2010, 08:21
@M.Azzopardi
Imagine no one helps us during the frontex...or no one takes small numbers of refugees from Malta what do you say??Let Malta sink as well??think before you write such comments!!
Francis Bellizzi
Mar 20th 2010, 08:20
As a former serviceman I can sympathise with the soldiers. I too have been in a similar situation, usually after returning from active service. The local youths where the the regiment / unit is stationed try to demonstrate their prowess. Usually they come unstuck big time. Also the local police know who the local trouble makers are and usually stop the trouble before it starts. In this case it did not happen and the aggressors were let off! And because I`m Maltese I support our soldiers and will not criticise them.
Anna Attard
Mar 20th 2010, 08:12
These soldiers where probably having a break after a days work. Nothing's wrong with that. If they got into any kind of trouble they did well to defend themselves and their colleagues. It is obvious that everyone in Greece will turn against them as they aren't playing home. Let's support them now that they are back home safe and sound. Dear maltese soldiers we support you and the work you do. This incident is not such a big deal. Lets keep it that way.
j.spiteri
Mar 20th 2010, 07:15
The best medicine for the Greek attitude is Turkey. See how Turkey reacted in Cyprus when the Greeks tried to take over the island and massacred the local Turks in 1974.
Damian Fenech
Mar 20th 2010, 02:26
What's interesting about this event is that while the Maltese Army is helping a fellow EU state protect it's borders, Malta is left to fend on it's own when protecting it's own.
Let's hope that it's not a case of Il-huta il-kbira.
Anyone who follows internatinal news should know the Greeks point of view and laws about foreign military in Greece
@ L. Cutajar
OFF DUTY !!!.
Christian Sciberras
Mar 20th 2010, 01:57
"They started it...!"
Hmm.
Joe Xuereb
Mar 20th 2010, 00:20
This is strange. This is not the Greece and the Greeks I know and love. This is a country where the words for stranger and guest are practically interchangeable.
Now given that details of this incident are very sketchy, I find it strange that the Greece chose not to press charges. The old Greek honour at play, maybe? Of course there is nothing wrong with anyone going to a night-club, especially when off duty. But this I have to say. I grew up with the vilification of the Turks because of 1565 (or something). And that Greece was a filthy country. And the Italians were faccoli (double-faced). Maybe this mindset, among some, is still around. It took my long-standing self-exile from my country to learn to re-appraise the Mediterranean lands surrounding my country and with which we have so much in common. Yet, in spite of this, many Maltese insist still on identifying with a country/countries that do not even recognise them as fully human.
They are wonderful, our neighbours. We come from the same cradle, for goodness' sake!
Claire Busuttil
Mar 19th 2010, 23:22
Come Back to Malta.
Joe Scicluna
Mar 19th 2010, 22:25
I think we are entitled to an factual explanation by the Greek authorities about what actually happened.
I believe that we should have good relations with all states especially those that are European and Mediterranean too. Good communication preserves good relations..
Finally, although this matter involves Maltese nationals abroad, let us not forget that sadly we do have such incidents locally, and to quote Peter Ustinov - 'people are the same wherever you go.'
John Matthews
Mar 19th 2010, 22:12
@ Freddie Zammit
You are so right. As an ex-soldier from the 60's stationed in Malta 1962-1965 (The Dukes) prior to that in the UK
I personally have been challenged/provoked by civilians in most of the countries that I , as a soldier, have been to, this include the UK. I put it down to "we are better than you" and that the locals have to prove something.
I sympathise with these soldiers as I believe they were in a very difficult position and PROBABLY had to either defend themselves or the honour of their country as they were foreigners in Greece. I know the feeling. Without knowing the facts, they should be let off, unless it is proven that they provoked the locals
victor vella
Mar 19th 2010, 20:50
@ L.Cutajar
Have you ever been away from your family on buisness or work related travel? one of the things I hate most when traveling is the time I am usually at home with my family.Unfortunately island mentality is that in clubs and bars foriegners are considered unfair competition by locals, furthsr more these soldiers were off duty, and as such they had every right to be anywhere they wanted.If they were attacked then they had every right to defend themselves with every means possible.The fact that the Greek police did not place them under arrest means that it is true that they were the victims rather then the agressors.To the soldiers I say this, if you were attacked and defended yourselves you did the right thing and we are proud of you.
M.Azzopardi
Mar 19th 2010, 18:57
let the greeks sink in their crisis and stay here our dear soldiers.
adrian zahra
Mar 19th 2010, 18:45
@ l cutajar. ma nafx x fiha hazin billi suldat li huwa wkoll persuna bhall hadd iehor jmur f night club waqt l off duty, sakemm jzomm d dekor ta l uniformi.
Olina Tretyak
Mar 19th 2010, 18:39
"Greek media and online blog reports unjustifiably condemned the five Maltese soldiers, rather than the incident" If one had escaped from the bar and yet came back with the help to get a friend out of there, if three others went inside to face the troubles but to get their friend out of bar, we can rely on such guys.
Freddie Zammit
Mar 19th 2010, 18:38
Lets face it the Greeks are not exactly saints. I support our boys, same as the British used to support men when stationed in malta in the 60's
Christian Sciberras
Mar 20th 2010, 02:03
Just to point out that Greece is known as "Guerrilla Heaven". They don't really have full control over their islands.
Pamela Hansen
Mar 19th 2010, 18:04
What a farce. I wonder whether and when we shall get a true picture of what really happened.
R Dimech
Mar 19th 2010, 17:24
It is surprising, from what has been divulged so far, how the Mitilini police appear to have taken a back stage in proceedings. Why weren't the soldiers escorted to their lodgings by the police and an eye kept on the area just in case the local population retaliated? Which is exactly what has seemed to have happened? One would expect much better coordination between the Greek police and local military authorities and foreign troops stationed on their soil. And why such a fuss about three batons and a can of pepper spray?!? It is part of policing, which the Maltese soldiers were kind of undertaking; they are presumably otherwise unarmed and on Greek soil for surveilance duties. The fact that the locals declined to press charges implies it was not such a serious incident after all and that they are not blameless!
Joseph Vassallo
Mar 20th 2010, 13:07
I totally disagree with your final assumption. Very often victims agree not to press charges in order not to escalate an incident. Moreover, you are talking about soldiers and these happen to have stricter rules and very definite rules of engagement.
L. Cutajar
Mar 19th 2010, 17:23
The new AFM brigadier or commander in chief should give an explanation regarding this incident. What were the soldiers doing in a night-club even though while not on duty. This incident is surely not a good promotion for the AFM.
Joe Micallef
Mar 19th 2010, 17:44
What's wrong with the soldiers being at a night-club whilst OFF DUTY?? we are talking about a group of YOUNG soldiers not about a group of priets. This incident is being blow out of proportion! These things happen everyday and everywhere!! Nobody, however mentioned the sacrifice that the AFM personnel take even though AFM lacks proper resources! Please let's not pass any judgements until the full details emerge.