Updated: Thugs attack lesbian, 16, on a bench

Mr T Zahra

Jan 24th, 00:24

Anyone Remeber the Name Paul Kersey?? Look him up, cause this is what Malta needs at the rate criminals are being allowed to roam our streets.

Mario Borg

Jan 23rd, 21:00

Excuse me, but it seems to me, that a certain sensationalism is sought for her by the press which goes very sour to my taste!!

Granted the 16 year old girl was a "self-proclaimed lesbian" who was indeed attacked because of her sexual orientation - probably exhibited publicly - still the media itself should know better than to place the words "16 year old" and "lesbian" adjacent side by side...as far as a 16 year old is still first and foremost a MINOR!

Please let it be clear that the barbaric attack is to be condemned - in fact the underlying "reason" or excuse is not an issue because nothing warrants such violence - not even if it turns out that the person had been provocative in any way - which is a subjective notion - so I believe strongly that the media here are again slipping down the slide of high ethical grounds just so that they can sell more - and the Times should know better than portray a 16 year old girl by her sexual orientation as if this is what defines her!

Again, even if it turns out that sexual orientation was supposedly what instigated the attack by these brutes, the point could have been made in a subtle decent way in the article not in the headline - but of course that is my point of view - decency is declining in our society so sadly this is mirrored even in a paper such as the Times...

Emmanuel Ebejer

Jan 23rd, 12:12

So what exactly are the Police waiting for? Thay have the culprits and witnesses!

Carmel Grima

Jan 23rd, 10:56

Jekk dan il-kaz jibqa ghaddej minghajr indhil minn nahha tal-ministru, dan il-ministru, fl-opinjoni tieghi , irid jirrizenja.

ryan farrugia

Jan 23rd, 09:18

mela jinqabad xi hadd b' joint, li ma jaghmel hsara lil hadd u m'ghandu mibgheda lejn hadd ikaxkruh l-ghassa u xeba nkwiet, forsi anke habs. u nies vjolenti bhal dawn, ta' hsara ghas-socjeta ikelmuhom u qisu xejn m' hu xejn. naf li m' ghandux x' jaqsam, imma taraw xi haga hazina u mhux f' posta?

Nispera li dan l-incident ma jergax jigri.

Joe E Galea

Jan 23rd, 08:15

Dan hu l-pajjiz li tawnha l-PN f'dawn l-ahhar snin flimkien mal-Knisja u l-paroli kontra l-persuni gay hi forma ta' nstigazzjoni biex isiru dawn l-affarijiet. Nispera li jkun hemm gustizzja.

Tracy Farrugia

Jan 23rd, 07:44

Since when are 19 year olds considered boys?

Authorities should slander their names all around.

Disgusting.

Carmelo Aquilina

Jan 23rd, 04:13

shame shame and more shame on the police for not taking any action on this criminal assault. Action please from the Commissioner and the Minister so that justice is done and such thugs don't get away with it

Jen Fenech

Jan 23rd, 01:33

To Amy and her girlfriend -

no matter what comes your way... don't be afraid and don't be scared!! pick yourself up cos you will never change what's been and gone! life is a fight and no matter how many times life beats you to the ground keep picking yourself up. keep having hope and faith in yourself because one day you will shine!!! don't give up and don't give in!

After said that, I really do hope the police did something about this!!

S Xerri

Jan 23rd, 01:16

If I saw this happening; I would had beaten them.

Justin Spiteri

Jan 23rd, 01:05

This girl is 16 ... underage ... will these two guys ... 19 ... legally adults ... be listed in the brand new Child Offenders Register? ... would be good to be able to look them up!!!

Jonathan Cole

Jan 23rd, 00:30

police should have at least taken the 19 yr old under custody, wheres the goddamn Batman when you need him.

Mr Patrick Attard

Jan 22nd, 23:58

The Police took no action in the case of homophbic vandalism INSIDE a man's home:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090825/local/pl-condemns-homophobic-vandal-attack.270829

Yet they chase us for kissing in public:
http://patrickattard.blogspot.com/2010/09/it-torca-il-pulizija-tal-morali-mhux-fl.html

Dr Ing. Patrick Attard

Emma Xerri

Jan 22nd, 23:42

To the victim.

Be thankful for your sexual orientation and the fact that you will not have to deal with macho cavemen or share you life with any of their like. Many women would still be alive today if they were gay.

Joe Xuereb

Jan 22nd, 23:16

@Ernest Vella(Today, 11:02). M. Vella, no, I do not have to tread like I am walking on eggshells when I say the Church has to take SOME blame for homophobia.
I'll explain. You may say that the Church loves the sinner(sic) but not the sin all you like. From then on it is farcical all the way. If one truly believes that god made Man, and all he is about, in his own image, then why make gay people?(please see note *) and tell them not to act out their sexuality? and be good? and go to heaven? And it gets funnier and more absurd. Now, with that out of the way.....
A young aggressive thug will hardly go to church/have religion on his mind. That kind of spirituality just has no place in his wretched life. But, he is not an idiot, he is not necessarily as thick as two planks; but somehow, that the Church does not approve of homosexuality has somehow filtered down even to him(but he is selective; that the Church loves gays does NOT register in his miserable, loveless life). Now, knowing that even the Church does not 'like' gays, seeing that he has inherited a natural legacy that says he must look askance at anything different, especially in the sexual arena, especially living in a culture where homophobia is hardly deeper than just below the surface. All these factors, Mr.Vella, add up so that Jason-oh in the streets of Hamrun and elsewhere will act upon his innate hatred of things gay. And in this context, the Church is, YES, a link, however tenuous and masquerading as love bestowed, in a chain that encourages hatred at worst, and antipathy at least.

*In fact Vella, if you really want my honest, informed opinion, I do not believe that god creates gays in his or anybody else's image. Instead it is all to do with nature and the strange(unpredictable) ways in which it often behaves.
We are all made of M. & F. usually called a mummy and a daddy. So physically speaking, everyone is made up of the two sexes (we've all noticed how a child looks after one or the other of the parents). Physically also means the formation of the brain needless to say. The brain is, after all, a load of tangible goo. Then, the minute we are born, things start to come into play (at birth the newborn only has a POTENTIAL sexual orientation but otherwise, nothing). Conditioning starts immediately. For some reason(and may this continue to be so) the majority of children grow up to be heterosexual, so necessary for reclaiming by numbers the older population that is constantly dying off. A replenishment of heads, if you like. To keep the ball(the planet) rolling. Or more crudely, love(genital sex) makes the world go round, according to some song or other. So far fairly simple Mr. Vella, and everyone else (I have written about this so many times but new readers are up and coming all the time so it bears repetition). But in fact it is not so simple. People who live sheltered lives for safety conveniently assume/think/KNOW that people are either straight or homosexual. So not true! The two orientations constantly overlap. I could, but I won't dare say that bisexuality is the norm. In practice it often is (think of changed(deviant) sexual acting-out between males when confined over a period of time (like in prison or on long-voyage ships). On release they revert back to their usual orientation. All this is the expression of sexual contact via the workings of the brain, and the messages we get from it. One must also look at physical characteristics of people. Stereotyping, for convenience and trouble-free putting-in-neat-little-boxes dictates that homosexual men are perceived as smallish, fragile-looking almost girlish with female mannerisms and doing 'female' jobs, light work. Real man are meant to be big and muscular. In fact nothing could be further from the truth (and I say this as one who has lived 'on the streets', i.e. lived, for fifty odd years. I have seen it all. Been there. Done that. And as for jobs that are seen as typically being performed by gay men......gosh! how off the mark can one be?!

So, to recap, the two sexual orientations are not separate entities, as in black and white. Rather they are a continuum on a scale of, say, one to ten. Both mentally (as many varieties as there are people, in fact) and physically (as in distribution of body fat, musculature, hairiness, softness/toughness of skin, etc.). Fascinating stuff!

I am a bit concerned that, until now, the police have not taken any action against the aggressor. I am concerned because, again from experience. I hope something is done about this otherwise the message will continue to be - it is OK to hit a queer. With a little help, if unintentionally so, from the Church.

If the girls' behaviour - and this also to the group in the yard of the Band Club - was a bit over the top; my advice is, don't. There are still people out there who are out to get you. And straight couples should rein it in too. Because human dignity is where it is at believe me. I was a student(primary AND secondary), and subsequently taught in the school round the corner from Fra Diegu. I feel a connection to the place and I so don't like to be unnecessarily disappointed.

Mr Peter Korsten

Jan 22nd, 22:46

"When the police arrived they went into the boys’ apartment and spoke to them but no arrests were made, Amy’s mother said.

It is not clear whether the boys will be taken to court since questions sentto the police on Thursday remained unanswered."

The police have quite a bit to answer for.

Lisa Young

Jan 22nd, 21:17

The families should sue the police and also the school for not protecting their children. Hate crime is dangerous and our society shouldn't take it so lightly just because they don't agree or understand it.

Mr C Galea

Jan 22nd, 21:05

Laws Laws Laws,decent discrimination laws are quickly needed, police education, public education and the right goverment to execute and enforce all of the above. P N has not been the right one so far,so lets hope the P L will change all of this.

Joe Xuereb

Jan 22nd, 20:55

@Joe B. Edwards(18:39). Quote: 'Can you imagine the same attitude if it was their sister or their daughter getting physically and sexually assaulted?' Joe - and I am talking generally here - what makes you think that men like this treat their sisters, daughter, mothers, grandmothers, and wives and their bitch dogs and cats, any differently. Allow me to explain.
Many, and I mean many, heterosexual men of any age are quite brainless (as in, brains between their legs). They are spunky, with raging testosterone on legs, macho, and their machismo is constantly being put to the test, consciously or not, by themselves or by others(i.e. society). They are heterosexual OK! And they like women. Of course they like women. Except that, let me explain.........
They are forever looking for a girl, a lady - I prefer the word women myself but then that is me - to be the agent, the proof of their masculinity. No finesse in finding a victim. Mr. Macho operates at the level of his ancestor, the caveman. He gets his woman and momentarily at least, he has a reason to live. But not for long because the primitive sexual appetite of the Alpha male needs constant feeding. The coitus over he is already looking for a repeat performance. And so it goes on. The problem is that, in between one orgasm(with one woman) and another(orgasm, with yet another bint) he feels hyped up, nervy, sitting down his legs tap and shake, unable to keep them still (I notice these things), always ready to explode, abusive, obnoxious, aggressive. And frustrated, naturally. Welcome to the world of the male on heat. Between one session under the sheets and another session - depending on the season when up against the 'ħajt tas-sejjiegħ'(rubble wall) or the rocks on the beach he feels all these negative effects of his sexual angst. And this is the time when it is useful to ask him if he likes women. Of course he does, he responds. But does he? When women, in their scanty clothes, cause him so much grief?
Back to the two lads. They were prancing around being all physical between themselves, trying desperately to pass the time of day, but how? They are brainless to all intents and purposes, you see! They go onto the balcony and they perceive their 'victims'. They go down. The younger of the two, interestingly, says he has no problem hitting a woman - but he knows it is wrong - which is understandable seeing he is witness to so much of it, even when it comes masquerading as 'love-making'. Hitting and this kind of abuse of women is culturally ingrained and there, not much difference between the two. Ah! the macho male what a fascinating creature to behold!

So you see Mr. Edwards, he may not hit his female family members and all hell would break loose if any outsider did. He may not hit his sister (but it happens), he may not rape his daughter (but it happens). But he is not above ordering them about like they were servants. You see, to this type of men, women are just chattels, whether he hits them or not.

And in this case, the police made no arrests? I AM intrigued!

And equally if not more importantly, what in god's name is a teacher, of all people, doing, bringing up the young woman's sexual orientation in order to embarrass her? Are you sure you are in the right job, dear?

Darren Bowd

Jan 22nd, 20:50

If this was in England, or anywhere else, the 2 scumbags would be put away as soon as caught. Get yourselves sorted out, Malta. No arrests were made? Pathetic.

Alexander Brincat

Jan 22nd, 20:37

I hate to say this but the real tragedy in this story is the police!! The system must change. If it was in the USA the police would take these thugs out of the house, hand-cuff them, leave them kneeling on the pavement for half an hour until they get all the facts from the victims standing right in front of them, humilate them just as they have humilated the victim, then take them to jail until they get a hearing in court.

I have seen this treatment in New York after two adults bullied and attacked a younger person. The attackers became sheepier than sheep. That is what bullies are: COWARDS!!!!!

Marianne Tabone

Jan 22nd, 20:33

Jien ghandi kumment ghal Gabi Calleja. Imma l-ewwel haga li rrid nghid hi li nikkundanna bil-qawwa kull forma ta' azzjoni kontra dawk li huma ta' orjentazzjoni differenti.
Imma issa nixtieq nghaddi dan is-suggeriment. Kull darba li tidher fuq il-mezzi tax-xandir tkun biss bhalha ambaxxatrici ta' dawn il-persuni. Il-fatt li huma ta' orjentazzjoni differenti mhix l-unika haga li taghmel dawn il-persuni. Huma nies li ghandom familja, hobbies, forsi jaghmlu xoghol ta' volontarjat u min jaf kemm attivitajiet ohra fil-hajja taghhom. Nixtieq li nkunu nafuhom b'mod aktar shih. U dan possibbli jsir jekk ikunu mistiedna f'kapacitijiet ohra tal-hajja. Hekk inkunu nafuhom bhala persuni shah u mhux bhala omosesswali ecc. biss. Meta bniedem isir jaf iehor aktar joqrob lejh u jara car li jista' jkun habib mieghu. X'tahseb Gabi? Qeghda nkun sinciera. Hemm aktar f'dawn il-persuni mill-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghhom - kif inhu l-kaz tal-bnedmin l-ohra kollha. Hadd ma hu eterosesswali biss imma kulhadd ghandu hajja ohra.

Milly Vassallo

Jan 22nd, 20:26

Regardless what race, gender or sexual orientation

everyone should be respected

and not be treated in that way.

the police should do something about this

but if not then i am sure that one day or another those boys will get back what they give.

Ms Sandra Grech

Jan 22nd, 20:22

SO WHY WEREN'T THEY ARRESTED????! Are these morons still around?!

Mike Hunt

Jan 22nd, 20:15

Have the assailants been arrested or not?

carlos ellul

Jan 22nd, 19:08

What a sad act

Joe B Edwards

Jan 22nd, 18:39

It is not only physical assault, but sexual assault as well. The policemen must have something against gay people not to have filed charges against these knuckle heads (who deserve a good hiding themselves). Can you imagine the same attitude if it was their sister or their daughter getting physically and sexually assaulted?

VINCENT WILLIAMS

Jan 22nd, 18:28

Police should take action against these boys. Malta, apart that the absolute majority of the people are christians and everyone should show his love towards his neighbours. Malta is also part of the EU and such behavour is condamned in the EU.

mark borg

Jan 22nd, 18:20

No arrests were made.....could anyone responsable for the Hamrun Police station explain on what criteria ? As usual....no one acountable and no one to shoulder responsability.

vella m

Jan 22nd, 18:17

Police please take action.

Joseph Borg

Jan 22nd, 18:09

Justice should be done no matter what his or her sexual orientation is.
Laws are there for every human being and whoever breaks them must be brought
to justice.

Joe Spiteri Gauci

Jan 22nd, 17:56

this is really SHAMEFUL. Hope the police will take the necessary action against these beasts who did this to these ladies. Don't they realize that we are living in the 21st century, and everyone has the right to be what he wants .... shame on you ..... hope you get the right judgement.

Claudio Cilia

Jan 22nd, 17:50

This is no surprise to me ..I'm Gay and I passed through many bad stuff cause of my sexuality ... well ..I don't know when Maltese will understand how 1) One can't 'decide' his sexuality 2) It is a uncomfortable issue and is not there to be made fun of 3) It is hard for gays themselves to accept the fact that they are gay as they know that they are living in a straight world which knows only hatred and prejudice ... :(

Henri Miceli

Jan 22nd, 17:11

i hope they do something about it , what messsage would the community get if these two persons get away without some sort of reprimend . At least a fine coupled with some community service and attendance of some anger management courses

Valerie Borg

Jan 22nd, 17:03

PURE DISGUST!!!
Firstly I was disgusted & totally shocked when I read that this poor girl was assaulted just because she's gay.
Secondly I was disgusted because I saw that this assault took place a week ago & it only showed on the papers today!!! This is a hate crime & apparently it is not something important enough....unbeliveable!!!
Third I am disgusted & speechless that these ignorant wanna be machos have not been arrested.
MALTA wake up, do you want these things to keep going on? Whether you're gay or not, everyone should be angry at this situation because you never know, tomorrow or in 20 years time it could be your daughter, grand daughter or mother who could be gay & ends up in this situation.
Shame to the police who takes things like this so lightly or were these 'boys' some of those trouble makers who can do whatever they like because the police are afraid of them? I wonder!!!

Maria Borg

Jan 22nd, 17:02

hawn hafna nies jghidu li mghandux ikun hawn diskriminazzjoni lejn nies omosesswali imma meta nkunu fit-triq l-istorja tkun differenti minn hekk. u hafna minn dawk li jghidu li ma jiddiskriminawx ikunu lewwel li jitkerrhu lil nies omosesswali
tweggani hafna meta nohrog mat-tfajla tieghi u jekk nkun id f'id maghha tara lil kulhadd ihares darba, tnejn sakemm jikkonfermaw li ahna 2 tfajliet u jibqaw skantati kif 'ghandna l-wicc' noqghodu hekk fil pubbliku. u tweggani hafna wkoll li jinkwetaw li jaf ninfluwenzaw lit-tfal taghhom majmurx jiguhom hekk! jien trabbejt f'familja eterosesswali u meta kont zghira qatt ma rajt lesbjani... safrattant hekk gejt u ma jiddispjacinix!
Nammira lil familja ta 'Amy' li accetawha ghall li hi u li meta jghidu li jhobbu lit-tifla taghhom hija vera ghax accetawha. hawn hafna genituri li jghidu li jhobu lil uliedhom ikunu kif ikunu... sakemm jghidulhom li huma gays u jkunu jridu jkeccuhom l barra
jien accettajt lili nnifsi u familti accettawni wkoll imma mhux kulhadd ikollu din ix xorti. min jghid li ma jridx jiddiskrimina... tihduhiex bi kbira li jkollkom/taraw gays u hobbuhom bhall ma thobbu lil ohrjan! :)

Keith Chircop

Jan 22nd, 16:59

You're always going to find individuals who commit crimes - no need to get all worked up about it.

What's scary is that the policemen who intervened have no interest in protecting and serving citizens, quite possibly because the victims in this case are gay. This is what we should be talking about.

A. Farrugia

Jan 22nd, 16:48

Such violence is to be condemned unreservedly, of course... but one must question what led to it and what can be done about it.
How come some people think (if think they can) that they can beat the hell out of a couple of girls (or anyone at that)...? The truth is that there is a group of youngsters growing up without 'morals' and thus without self-discipline. These can and do cause grief because they continually go against the grain of a well-ordered society. Something needs to be done about them since some of them will work out their issues by taking out their anger on who they perceive as soft targets, be they the elderly, meeker young people, foreign students, girls... you name it and then look up the stories in our newspapers and you will find it.

That the two young ladies in this incident were lesbian could have been just the excuse these louts needed. I'm sad to read what happened to these two girls. Every youngster needs time and space to discover who they are and teenage girls grappling with their emerging sexuality are no different... our society must support our youth by providing safe spaces for them to congregate and be active in life.

However If incidents such as this are to be tackled then we also need a SYSTEM that can tackle our wayward youth. It may be too late to help them by sending them to CCF when they come of age... by then their patterns of behaviour would be quite likely set. We need to be there for them in many ways, especially in their formative years, ages 10 to 15.

Then we probably also need to have a programme capable of enforcing acceptable social behaviour with respect to those teenage lads who believe that no one and nothing can touch them, regardless of the extremes of behaviour they engage in. Corrective facilities for young people don't have to be the ones in Corradino. It is high time we have at least one secure facility for boys. There is already one for girls so what's holding us up?

The last Nationalist Electoral Programme contained a promise to build such a facility... where is it guys?

Alex Buds

Jan 22nd, 16:08

Why were no arrests made?

Somebody in the police force might need a resignation or firing if I'm understanding this correctly...

Jo Grima

Jan 22nd, 16:05

I wonder if these 2 boys are even able to read our posts ! i will be surprised if they could

Jo Grima

Jan 22nd, 15:58

I AM A PERSON, gay , straight, bi, transgender, whaterver the case I AM A PERSON !!

John Micallef

Jan 22nd, 15:49

I just hope this senseless act carried out by what could probably be two people eligible for the award of 'The Morons of the Year' is quickly solved, the culprits brought to justice and a lesson given so that the possibility of further such incidents are minimised.

The age of the culprits should not be an excuse from prosecution. Someone who simply picks up on another person without reason or right has no place in a civilised community.

Ms. P.M Graham

Jan 22nd, 15:44

There seems to be a lot of focus on the fact that this was an attack by these yobs on a girl/girls, almost as if that's relevant.

The story states she was beaten up because she is gay and that's the relevance.

I wonder how many gay guys are reading this who have also been beaten to a pulp in Malta for their identity, and yet nothing changes.

The carpets are bulging!!

The sooner schools are involved in http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111207/local/lgbt-group-launches-educational-campaign.397279. the better.

Mark Zerafa

Jan 22nd, 15:39

Homophobia stinks. It brings tears to my eyes.

Jennifer Grech

Jan 22nd, 15:37

this is disgusting behaviour, if these boys are not afraid to hit a girl then all girls beware, violence is violence at the end of the day. also journalist in malta have a lot to learn and are in need of more training, WHY the need to make headlines with LESBIAN attacked ? WHY not girl attacked, just the same bad reporting when accidents happen and reads in danger of dying instead of in critical condition, such poor reporting. THE police in malta are a disgrace i very much doubt if any officer could cope or be accepted into a police force in any other major EU country or last very long should they, the police are there to serve and protect the public regardless of political, ethnic, or genda if they cannot do this then they should stand down as they are not worthy of the uniform they wear, people and those in power must sit back and take stock and all parents should not shun their neighbours children because of genda or school girl single mothers, as they may be facing the same problems from their own child later in life, as they say what goes round comes around, a lesbian /gay do not choose their genda they are born with these feelings and the parents should take counciling as its from the parents hormones that the child developes the tendancy to be male or female but trapped in the wrong body, so all parents who cannot except their child because they have come out of the closet then i say shame on you for thinking what the neighbours and family will think instead of what your child is going through and not having your understanding or support only leaves them stuck in narnia, good luck little one and i hope your many freinds in the same predicament as you finds support from their parents, this wish is from a parent and a grandparent who loves her children and her grandchildren no matter what path they choose in life.

S Grech

Jan 22nd, 15:37

No arrests were made??? Come on please a broken nose constitutes grevious bodily harm...even if the girl or her parents did not wish to pursue with the charges the police should at the very least be seen to be doing their job. What message are the authorities trying to send out??

Raymond Lia

Jan 22nd, 15:16

Ma nistageb bxejn ghax fil Hamrun pulizija reqdin ghandna morru nar tas sibt ilpjazza u hlif disordni ma jkunx hemm, karozzi ipparkjati bladog u alla hares ifetilek titkelem biex tadi u faccata tal bank HSBC ikun hemm kull hnizrijitu dankollu quddiem l ghassa tal pulizija u xinejdu as sewqan frenat likun hemm mil pjazza ghal blata bajda tkun qisek fxi korsa tal formola 1 udan kollu jafuh ilpullizija ghax mhux lewwel raporti saru u masir xejn .

Manuel Camilleri

Jan 22nd, 15:14

Deplorable. Thugs = cowards

Lawrence Fenech

Jan 22nd, 15:04

Children with no brains use their hands.

James Tyrrell

Jan 22nd, 15:03

"When the police arrived they went into the boys’ apartment and spoke to them but no arrests were made." Why were no arrests made? Do the police know the family in question and have decided to turn a blind eye? Surely not although given the fact this is Malta anything is possible!

To the two girls in question and their families I would like to apologise on behalf of the real men in this world for the way in which you were treated by these thugs. You have a right to live your life any way you choose and you also have a right to justice so don't drop this matter. I think you will find that if you are willing to stand your ground and demand that action is taken you will have the backing of the whole country. I hope you heal soon and can put this matter behind you.

To the Maltese police dealing with this attack I would say that you need to be aware that the world is watching how you deal with this homophobic attack. This is not a case where their daddy can ask you to let him deal with it. These morons need to be arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm and hopefully be dealt with by the courts as soon as possible. And the courts should be aware that homophobic attacks such as this warrant more than a suspended sentence.

Roger Tirazona

Jan 22nd, 15:01

What about seriously evaluating how our education is failing to eradicate homophobia?

Joseph Calleja

Jan 22nd, 14:58

"No arrests were made"? If this is proven to be a hate crime, the police should have made an arrest, right then and there on the spot. It is also the responsibility of the two girls to file charges so these two can appear in a court of law to explain their misbehavior. Hate crime is a very serious offense and should be dealt with accordingly.
Suddenly, the younger boy turned up in the square. “He said he was not scared to hit girls" I wonder where he got that from? A teen, and he is already bullying women? What is going to happen when he turns into a man, beat up on women? This teenager needs somebody to explain the facts of life to him and that beating up and bullying women because he does not like their lifestyle is against the law.

Mr Keith Sammut

Jan 22nd, 14:38

why weren't those thugs arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm? this is a disgrace...

O. Grixti

Jan 22nd, 14:33

A guy hitting a girl, what a heroic and muscular act. This guy should be a shamed of himself. This thing really shows what a real man you are. (I’m being sarcastic) Shame!
This guy should be named, pictured and prosecuted as it is an early stage of violence on woman. Woman should know with whom they go out.

Luke Scicluna

Jan 22nd, 14:27

who would scare away a couple if lesbian teenagers from nearby his balcony?! whats wrong with these boys!

Mr M. Vella

Jan 22nd, 14:07

He's not afraid to hit a girl?
It's not being afraid, but about being ashamed!

What are they trying to prove by beating them up, that they can push little girls around?

Michael Borg

Jan 22nd, 13:57

let me be clear violence should never be permitted !! and i say these guys deserve a harsh punishment !
BUT
we dont know the whole story !! we are hearing only 1 side !! do we know what happened before maybe days before , did they provoke the guys ? just asking !! my neighour ( 15 year old ) dresses up to provoke men on purpose !!

Ivan Calleja

Jan 22nd, 13:53

The police should arrest these two thugs immediately! They are still 17 and 19......one can only imagine what will these two bullies do when in their 20's!!

Lawrence Fenech

Jan 22nd, 13:43

Le is-serq u il-vjolenza qed jonqsu.

G Falzon

Jan 22nd, 13:40

The police must "publicly" clarify and justify their action or inaction after this report in The Sunday Times.

LOUIS JOSEPH BORG

Jan 22nd, 13:35

assault is asault and has nothing to do with ones personnal life so if it is football rivalry or political motivated or whatever these girls should seek a lawyer and force the police to take action or file a report and take court action!

Julia Partridge

Jan 22nd, 13:28

In this country the Church condemns gay lifestyles, the politicians refuse to legally recognise gay relationships and now the Police do not act when the evidence is before their eyes. What message does all this send to those who are bigoted?

It sends the message that it is okay to abuse someone on the grounds of their sexuality in the full knowledge that there will be no action against a perpetrator and absolutely nothing will be done to protect the basic human rights of the victim.

Shameful, just shameful.

Maria Borg

Jan 22nd, 13:23

ghaliex ghandu jkun hemm differenza bejn xi hadd 'straight' u xi hadd 'gay'?? ghaliex it-titlu jghid ; Thugs attack lesbian, 16, on a bench? seta kien ; Thugs attack a 16 year old girl?? forsi tghidu li l-ahbar hi fuq il-fatt li giet attakkata ghax hi lesbjana imma jekk ma rridux diskriminazzjoni u rridu li min ghandu orjentazzjoni sesswali differenti jkun stmat l-istess mghandniex nghamlu daqsekk 'emphasy' fuq l-orjentazzjoni sesswali taghha. jien qatt ma rajt xi ahbar li tghid ; thugs attack a straight girl, 16, on a bench.
miniex immaqdar jew nghid li ma jghamlux xogholhom tajjeb imma meta tkun f'dik is sitwazzjoni, affarijiet bhall dawn jghamlu differenza, specjalment jekk tkun ghadek m'accetajtx lilek innifsek.
anke l-fatt li din l- ahbar giet rrapurtata iktar minn gimgha wara

Mr Rik Van Colen

Jan 22nd, 13:22

"no arrests were made"
"It is not clear whether the boys willbe taken to court"
Are you freaking kidding me?

Peter Borg

Jan 22nd, 13:20

Thoroughly shameful !These two thugs deserve to be punished of course but are they to some extent a product of a national culture which depicts gays as an aberration ? The greater blame for acts such as these must fall four square on the shoulders of those insititutions who have instilled and fostered this culture over the years. They know who they are and those of us who have opened our eyes know too !

John Azzopoardi

Jan 22nd, 13:18

Malta is still a very dangerous place for gay people regardless of what anyone says. .

Valerie Borg

Jan 22nd, 13:09

This is disgusting. The police not making any arrests surely show others that this hate crime is ok. If this couple were straight the arrests would've been made there and then. How dare these animals think they can just hurt someone because of their sexuality. The police should be asshamed of themselves you are just allowing this to happen to others. What is the job of the police to protect victims? no to protect the haters!!!!

vincent a galea

Jan 22nd, 13:07

"Some teachers used to pick on her and bring up her sexuality,” she said.

THIS IS INDEED WORRYING.... !!!!!!

Frank Borg

Jan 22nd, 13:00

Whilst I condemn without any reservations these violent attacks, I cannot not mention two particular occasions involving lesbians, also in Hamrun. Whilst having a drink at one of the main band clubs during the village festa, in a yard full of hundreds of people sitting down having a drink, we cannot but not notice that the table in front of us, full of young girls, teenagers, amongst them some lesbians. Whilst I am not bothered with their orientation, I, and numerous other people, were disgusted by the way they were behaving themselves in public. One of them was continuously groping the other girls in their private parts, kissing them on the lips etc. They made such a scene as if they were doing something brilliant. We were so disturbed and disgusted by their behavior that we left the establishment straight away. We went back the day after, and there they were, the same group of teenagers, behaving exactly the same way as the previous evening. Again we had to leave determined that we would never go back there as it was clear that these places are not suitable anymore for families with children to go and have something to drink and eat, and this is only a band club and not a nightclub! They have every right to be gay, but have no right to behave themselves in public in such a manner as to be a nuisance in front of other people and numerous children. My appeal to these people is, you have your rights, enjoy your life, but please do not bother other people with your actions as some people can be intolerant, especially if they have their children around. I am not trying to justify this incident in anyway, such actions should be condemned, and we must be aware as to avoid similar violent actions.

Ruth Baldacchino

Jan 22nd, 12:57

Not a nice story to wake up to on a Sunday morning. Will the authorities condemn this homophobic hate crime? Will they recognise it as homophobic? Oh wait! They won't! Because this country's justice system does not recognise homophobic and transphobic hate crimes and this country's educational system does not recognise homo and transphobic bullying! When will this stop? How many more LGBTQI victims of crime and bullying do the authorities "need" before they act on it?

Michael Briguglio

Jan 22nd, 12:55

On behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party, I endorse the calls by NGOs and civil society for more action against such homophobic hate crimes. Michael Briguglio, Chairperson

Paul Barrett

Jan 22nd, 12:52

I do hope that these thugs are brought before the Courts and suitably punished. This is a serious assault and a sex crime and should be one of the first entries to be entered on the "Sex Offenders" book for life - not only as a punishment but as a deterrent to other thugs.

Mr Joseph Apap

Jan 22nd, 12:39

These two guys shouldbe brought before the court
Especially since it happened twice to Amy and her friend
But a word to amy were you fondling each other in public?
Next time find a private place

Anthony Girard

Jan 22nd, 12:36

This is a criminal act and - as usual - the Police are dragging their feet. These thugs /bullies must be arragined and taught a lesson. Let's hope our Courts act accordingly.Bang them up

Maria Borg Costanzi

Jan 22nd, 12:22

Ignorance, intolarance and power and control over others are what causes pain and suffering in this world. If only we accept that we are all individuals and unique with different needs and emotions and lives and if Christian, that we were all created by God who doesn't make mistakes then the world would be a much better world and no hatred would exist. If God didn't want gays or lesbians to exist he would'nt have created them. We are all created in his own image. Violence and abuse all comes from intolerance.

PAUL BUSUTTIL

Jan 22nd, 12:18

We the people want straight answers from the police, they MUST DECLEAR OUTRIGHT whether these boys were apprehended and judicial is or will be taken against them, we havew a right to know if we are to continue trusting our police force.

V. Chetcuti

Jan 22nd, 12:15

First and foremost, this news should have been reported straight away like any other piece of news. Secondly, the thugs should have been arrested straight away and brought to justice otherwise this type of bullying will be repeated every so often. Shame on these bullies and even more on the authorities who have not acted to defend these girls by bringing these perpetrators to justice. We are hearing of senseless brutal attacks very often, sometimes because of sexual orientation, other times gangs attack people for the fun of it especially in Paceville - the situation is only getting worse. It is only fair that people of ALL ages, race, and different sexual orientation are safe in their homes or out in the streets and not end up being targeted for one reason or another. Harsher penalties should be introduced to deter this kind of horrible behaviour.

Luciano Mule Stagno

Jan 22nd, 12:08

these are hate crimes and should be treated as such. I am not familiar with our penal code but if there are no provisions for tougher sentences for these kinds of crimes their should be.

I Bugeja

Jan 22nd, 12:04

At 16 coming to terms with sexuality is not the easiest of things. This girl *Amy* has the courage to stand up for the insults hurled at her but obviously was not strong enough to match her oppressor.

19 is not a boy! 19 is a mature adult who should be seen by the police and the law as such.

16 is not an adult! Therefore this girl should be given the protection that is duly given in case of minors.

This is utterly disgusting and should be considered as abusive behaviour of an adult towards a minor for starters. It should also be seen as abuse made according to sexual orientation.

TO THE GIRL'S PARENTS - I do hope that you support your daughter and I do hope that you take all necessary action against the abusive man and boy who attacked your daughter. Letting it rest will solve nothing. I am sure that you love your daughter but support is not only helping her to come to terms with what happened but also making sure this stops in the future by taking those who did such act to court to face justice.

TO MGRM - I also wish for this organisation to get into contact with the family and the victim and help them out in the best way possible; by showing them what they can do about what happened in both physiological and legal terms (justice).

Joanne Micallef

Jan 22nd, 12:01

Why isn’t it clear if the young men will be taken to court? They should be punished for 1 hitting on a woman and 2 for discrimination, hatred and sexual harassment.

MALCOLM SEYCHELL

Jan 22nd, 12:01

Soluzzjoni wahda hawn li tista tibda solvi dawn il problemi. Min jibqabad bi vjolenza mhux gustifikata ghandu jinghata xeba quddiem il pubbliku ha jigi umiljat, kif jigri f certu pajjizi gharab. Billi nibghatuwhom il 5 star hotel ta Kordin ma se jissolva xejn.

simon ellul sullivan

Jan 22nd, 12:01

what is shocking is the archaic and as in most cases below par reaction of the police.

finding most policemen themselves to be racist, homophobic, sexist and generally of a troglodytic mentality the powers that be should be chastisising their inaction.

that the boys are ignorant (most probably due to their parents equally appalling prejudices) is not surprising (seeing as the great majority of the population share these pathetic attitudes) and should be punished to the full extent of our equally inept law.

Obviously we will now here a whimper from some police spokesperson to shut us up and nothing will happen.

Tonio Bone

Jan 22nd, 11:59

Amy should get the full and unconditional support of the authorities, full-stop! We are focusing on her sexual orientation which is objectively the reason why this act of degenerate intelligence occurred in the first place, yet aside from that she is a citizen, a TEENAGER, that needs to be protected by society and all the apparatus behind it! I hope the two numb-nuts are brought to justice and made to pay their dues!

Jay Oatmon

Jan 22nd, 11:55

My guess is the police will duck this one and do nothing and there will be no court case.

This seems to be the way it is in Malta - violence is acceptable just as career criminals are accepted (all you have to do is look at all the suspended sentences handed out here). If you are not powerful or rich you are not going to get anywhere by complaining either.

Christine Vella

Jan 22nd, 11:55

Not arrested? So we can go around hitting people and we do not get arrested? Such a joke. This is Very serious. The reason could be anything...you do not hit people and get away with it!!!!! Can you imagine how her mother feels???? How painful it must feel to see your daughter/son in this state. Do not worry young girl stand up tall and do not feel ashamed of who you are!!

Ramon Casha

Jan 22nd, 11:54

I implore the police and the courts to do their duty. A crime has been committed. If it is ignored more and worse crimes will take place.

THIS is the kind of behaviour that deserves long prison sentences.

D Muscat

Jan 22nd, 11:51

Disgusting, cowardly and sick attack. The attackers should be taken to court and if found guilty , given a stiff sentence. No suspended sentences. This type of bullying should be nipped in the bud.

Kaylie Green

Jan 22nd, 11:48

I'm utterly sickened by this mindless hate crime. However, and unfortunate as it is...this happens all over the world and isn't just a Maltese issue. However....what sets Malta apart from other countries is the way in which this was dealt with by the police. It sounds to me as if the Maltese police are just as bigoted, archaic and un-lawful as the thugs who perpetuated this disgusting crime. The policing system in this country leaves a lot to be desired....it's about 35 years behind the rest of Europe.

Julie Russell

Jan 22nd, 11:44

Are we still living in the dark ages were there were no equal rights. This is disgusting and outrageous. What kind of example are we giving. So it's ok for anyone to go around beating people up. Shame nothing was done.
Scary for anyone who has to go through such a terrible act of violence where nothing was done.

Mario Mamo

Jan 22nd, 11:39

Is not everything done by the will of GOD? Are we challenging GOD? This girl did not choose to be like she is. It was nature and by association GOD, who made her different from us. Does she not have a heart which suffers? Does she not feel pain like we do? Was she not tormented enough by her confusion at being different in her particular way? Does this make her sub human and a legitimate target for monsters? Everyone's heart should go out for this girl and others like her. May the CREATOR give her strength and solace and her family and friends the wisdom to support her now and forever. Same thing goes for the male side. After all this is all about love.

David Caruana

Jan 22nd, 11:38

You wouldn't think such dirt could exist in this day and age.

Robert Borg

Jan 22nd, 11:37

One message to "AMY" - "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" - i was bullied when i was young but now i know how to defeat a bully with just words...keep in mind that usually bullies are the ones that are insecure of themselves!

Paul Salnitro

Jan 22nd, 11:36

The police should have arrested the 19 year old and taken the two to court.

Maybe they learn a lesson.

Victor Vella

Jan 22nd, 11:29

We are really an intolerant people. I show my sympathy with this young lady. Let us mind our business and let other people mind theirs. At least the police can give a lesson to these two thugs so next time to mind their own business.

Joseph Grima

Jan 22nd, 11:26

What I want to know is why these boys were not immediatly arrested and taken to court. Is beating up two inocent young girls in the middle of the street not a punishable offence now or do the parents of these boys know someone who knows someone?

Amanda Scott

Jan 22nd, 11:26

No wonder these things happen in Hamrun.

Have old Maltese friends living there and sometimes during weekends they can't even sleep during the night due to bars with sound. Calling the police is useless as they don't come or inform the bar to lower the sound while the police car comes by.

Cars using roads which are meters away from the police station as track and race, squeeze tires and make noises 24/7.

People shouting outside bars 11pm - 2am

This is what Hamrun is turning into and most of all you don't even get back up from the law.

jeneba caruana

Jan 22nd, 11:23

If someone smokes a joint goes to jail and if you beat the hell out of 2 girls because they happen to be gay, you stay relax because nothing will happen to you. Is this justice? Where are PL and PN commenting on this? ooo yeah i forgot, they are fighting between theirselves who is best to take the power!!!

Mr l Azzopardi

Jan 22nd, 11:17

"When school got wind ofit, it was hassle after hassle... Some teachers used to pick on her and bring up her sexuality,"

Sinjura, jekk taf bic-cert li dawn l-ghalliema li qed issemmi ghamlu hekk... irrappurtahom lid-dipartiment tal-edukazzjoni...bhala ex ghalliem jekk vera dawn l-ghalliema "taparsi" ghamlu hekk imisshom jisthu!!

Ahna nghallmu lit-tfal jaccettaw lilhom infushom mhux nemarginawhom u nwarrbuhom biex jigu abbuzati!

Naf li forsi mhux facli imma jekk dawn l-ghalliema ghadhom jghallmu kapaci hemm tfal ohra li qed jghaddu mill-istess haga... kuragg u irraporta u zomm lit-timesofmalta aggornati ghax hekk biss jiccaqalqu l-affarijiet f'dan il-pajjiz.

raymond scicluna

Jan 22nd, 11:15

Let s just hope that the victim can identify and subsequently testify in court so that the perpetrators will receive what they deserve. This is nuts at its best.

Matthew Scerri

Jan 22nd, 11:13

And then they say that Malta is a safe country.

There are people looking for the slightest excuse to be violent all over the place. To make matters worse, the police seem to be afraid of them.

Mr Mario Genovese

Jan 22nd, 11:11

In Malta it seems that the law permits certain people to get away with anything!!

silvio loporto

Jan 22nd, 11:10

I certainly do not condone the actions of the two boys,but on the other hand if the girls? wanted to indulge in their lesbian manifestations,they should do it in private. Don't they know that these things might be accepted by their mother,but their are some who look at them in,let's just say ,not with approval..

R. Gauci

Jan 22nd, 11:08

When the police arrived they went into the boys’ apartment and spoke to them but no arrests were made, Amy’s mother said.

Dan hu kaz serju, l-KUMMISSARJU ghandu jara ghaliex ma ttiehdux passi vis a vis hate crime vjolenti u jekk hemm bzonn ikun hemm passi dixxiplinarji, dawn it-tip ta` aggressjonijiet jittiehdu b'serjeta' kbira barra minn Malta fejn huma aktar komuni u hawn Alla Jbierek xejn.

Charles Micallef

Jan 22nd, 11:05

Let us hope that those ignorant b____rds are caught and thought a lesson..they are ignorant to the extreme! Wish the young lady well and speedy recovery!

Mr Ernest Vella

Jan 22nd, 11:02

Hbieb, attenti x'qeghdin tghidu...il-Knisja Kattolika waqt li fit-taghlim kattoliku tqis l-att omosesswali bhala dnub kontra is-sitt kmandament....(attenti x'ghidt - l-att) bhal kull att sesswali iehor li jsir barra miz-zwieg....BL-EBDA MOD...u naf x'jiena nghid...Il-Knisja Kattolika ma tikkundannax anzi taghder, tifhem u thobb lil dawn il-persuni "mahluqa xbiha t'Alla" u tikkundana kull agir kontra dawn il-persuni jew persuni ohra.

Anzi, ha nkun ezatt, hadt gost nisma sacerdoti u anke soci tal-Museum jghallmu li ghandna nhobbu lil kulhadd bla distinzjoni, ta kulur, sess, religjon, fehma politika u fehmiet ohra. Jigifieri min qed jghid li dan sar tort tar-religjon...nahseb ghandu jahsibiha darbtejn issa.

MIN SAWWAT LIL DIN IT-TFAJLA U MIN JAGHMEL INTOLLERANZA U JGHID LI HUWA NISRANI - DAN HUWA GIDDIEB U MA JISTAX JITLAQ JITQARBEN, GHAX NAQQAS MILL-IMHABBA LEJN HUTNA.

Jo debono

Jan 22nd, 10:59

This is an absolute outrage! Why was this reported so late? Why were the thugs not arrested? Had it been a straight young couple of the same age, they would have certainly been arrested!! We talk about progression but in fact most of maltese people are really iMac rotund of someone with a different sexual orientation! This couple had/ has every right to be happy without any interference from anyone!!! Love is love! And hate crimes and bullying should be stopped and the there is a great need for laws acknowledging hate crimes and same sex partnership or even marriage! These people should have the Same rights as we do!!

Kenneth Galea

Jan 22nd, 10:55

Why all this hatred because someone happens to belong to a different sexual orientation? I believe our Police who are institutionally racist (majority of them) need extensive training in this area. This also combines immigrants who are settled in Malta.
Big part of the problem is with the police and the inability of this Government to do something about it. Being gay is still frowned upon in Malta because there are no solid laws to protect the vulnerable in this case gay people.
I am glad to see politicians like Joseph Muscat who is keen on strengething the laws to protect gay people and lessen discrimination against gays.

Ruth Ferrito

Jan 22nd, 10:52

I think that religion has nothing go to do with it, these type of crimes happen all over the world, there is a film called 'Boys don't cry' it is based on a true story, these acts unfortunately happen and it is happening now because gay people show affection in public, ages ago it was done behind closed doors, there need be more education and awareness regarding RESPECTING every human being irrespective of their orientation. Hope the boys will get what they deserve!! attack on a girl, emotional and physical abuse...your family should be ashamed of both you!!! you are growing into monsters!!

Mark Anthony Fenech

Jan 22nd, 10:44

This is utterly disgusting, those two boys made a show of what 'twisted' truly means...

Frederick Attard

Jan 22nd, 10:39

It is a shame that such incidents still happen in our society and it is a shame to know that there is a police station in the very same Hamrun Square where the incident took place! The square is frequented by these thugs every night in full view of the police station.

jeneba caruana

Jan 22nd, 10:32

Full solidarity with the victims! These acts should be taken seriously!!

Daniel Micallef

Jan 22nd, 10:31

Sorry to hear that discrimination still exists in this "open minded" country of ours. It is really a shame that we get to hear about this only 2 days after it actually happened. As far as i know THUGGERY is still considered as a form of physical violence. Where is this Catholic country going??????

E Mamo

Jan 22nd, 10:19

This should be certified as a hate crime and action HAS to be taken

Mark Camilleri

Jan 22nd, 10:18

Is there any form of hate crimes law? If not, someone then should at least give it a thought!

Miriam Sargent

Jan 22nd, 10:16

This is outrageous!! why have the men not been arrested??!!! name and shame these idiots.Sexual orientation is nobody's business, when is society going to learn this.

Gabriel Gatt

Jan 22nd, 10:13

I am shocked at why did not the police just arrest the boys when they went to their apartment. I believe a gay assault it pretty much against the law. So the blame apart from the boys should also go to the police for being in compliance with the boys.

Ms. P.M Graham

Jan 22nd, 10:08

The fact that this "incident" took place on January 13th and is only being reported now speaks volumes.

Why were these thugs not arrested on the spot?

Victor Pulis

Jan 22nd, 09:56

I only would like to know how Amy's (or any other gay person's sexuality for that matter) affected these brothers' lives. Live and let live so long as you are not being negatively affected.

Gerry Cowie

Jan 22nd, 09:51

This is the kind of story where there should be hundreds of comments of outrage and support. So where are all the pro-animal people who always come to defend animals but not people?

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Jan 22nd, 09:27

Hope 'Amy' is now OK. Gay men and lesbians suffer violence every day of the week and no one does anything about it. This is an assault - so what is wrong with the police charging the men with assault? There should be no discretion left to the courts when it comes to violence against vulnerable people and those who assault others should receive a mandatory prison sentence. Their names and photos should be published in the newspapers. People have a right to be themselves in public. And I do not care if those who assault happen to be latent homosexuals. The same should apply to acts of violence against elderly people.