Racism protest in Valletta

The Migrants' Network for Equality and Moviment Graffitti held a press conference and protest in Valletta this morning, complaining of 'institutional racism'.

Spokesmen said this was being done in view of the recent acquittal in a trial by jury where a bouncer was accused of causing the death of a migrant. During the trial, the victim was sometimes referred to as  'l-iswed'.

Those present also condemned the death of  Osama Saleh, who was found lying in a pool of blood early Saturday morning.

They also complained that many clubs in Paceville still refuse entry to African persons.

Picture - Jason Borg.

Those present for the activity opposite the law courts this morning included members of the Sudanese community, immigrants from other communities and a number of Maltese.

They handed out leaflets against racism.

Andre' Callus, from Moviment Graffitti, criticised the prosecution in the bouncer's trial and said that two French students who witnessed the incident had not been called to testify. Instead, a statement they gave to the police was read out a court.

He also complained that legal aid to migrants who ended up in court was sometimes not up to scratch, with the migrants being asked to plead guilty.

Those present also asked for greater efforts by the police to track down the people suspected of causing the death of Osama Saleh.

The Migrants' Network for Equality is a network made of representatives of different immigrant communities in Malta.