Candle-lit vigil to mark death of immigrant

A candle-lit vigil against racism will be held tomorrow to commemorate the death of Sudanese immigrant Suleiman Abubaker who was beaten up in a Paceville brawl two years ago.

The vigil, organised by the Migrants Network for Equality, will take place next to Burger King in Paceville at 6 p.m. The public has been urged to attend.

Mr Abubaker died after suffering a fractured skull and lung contusion in a brawl in May 2009 which broke out after he was refused entry into a nightclub.

Bouncer Duncan Deguara has since been charged with causing him serious injury, followed by death.

The migrants’ group pointed out that many clubs still refused entry to African immigrants even though two years had passed. However, the problem of racism is not confined to Paceville.

“While immigrants find many who understand them and treat them equally, they also face discrimination in their daily life, and even incidents of violent racism,” the group said.

Friday’s gathering would not be an accusation of racism directed towards the Maltese but just a recognition that racism still existed, it added.

The decision to hold a vigil is being supported by Alternattiva Demokratika.