Facebook group rallies around accused soldier

Mark Mallia could not believe the news when he heard that an army sergeant had been charged with killing a Malian migrant while in detention.

“I was shocked,” he says with an air of disbelief.

The sergeant, Mark Anthony Dimech, is a long-time friend, almost a brother to him and “incapable of doing such things”.

On Sunday Mr Dimech, 44, of Gżira, and Gunner Clive Cuschieri, 29, of Paola, were charged with murdering Mamadou Kamara in the early hours of Saturday morning. Another soldier, Lance Bombardier Gordon Pickard, 35, from Żabbar was accused of tampering with evidence. All three have denied the charges.

The case, which has prompted an inquiry, is dividing public opinion. But a Facebook group administered by Mr Mallia to support his friend has already collected almost 5,000 members in the space of two days.

The group, Justice for Sergeant Mark Dimech and colleagues, is rife with positive comments from people who know the soldier and others who simply want to show support. Many current and former soldiers have joined.

Mr Mallia insists the group will not tolerate racist comments, a very real risk in the wake of renewed anti-immigrant sentiment as a result of the case.

The posts make no mention of Mr Kamara, with many members calling for greater awareness of the difficulties soldiers face daily while dealing with migrants.

Mr Mallia complains that some are posting negative remarks against the soldiers in comments on timesofmalta.com, without knowing who Mr Dimech is.

“This guy is a good man, a proper gentleman. He may have been at the wrong time in the wrong place. I don’t want his trial to be turned into a show.

“Everybody, including politicians, should allow justice to take its course without undue pressure,” Mr Mallia said.

Mr Dimech’s parents are wrecked by the news, he added.