Around 500 people led by the Migrants' Network for Equality walked along Republic Street in Valletta this evening calling for a system "which respects the human rights of migrants".

The silent march was organised following the killing of Mamadou Kamara last week.

Two soldiers accused of his murder were granted bail yesterday. Another is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the case.

Carrying two large banners saying "Stop Racism" and "Friendship in Equality, Friendship in Diversity", and many small ones with Mr Kamara's photo or saying Justice, the protesters gathered near the Triton's Fountain and walked along Republic Street to Republic Square (Pjazza Regina).

Malian Ali Konate said it was not true that the migrants at the detention centre had complained about Mr Kamara. He said they refused to eat because they were not getting information about what had happened.

"We are not here to blame the soldiers or the police, we are here to blame the system. The propblem is the detention the system," he said.

Andre Callus, from Migrants Solidarity Movement, said that the people at the top had created a system that was breeding racism and a change in attitude was needed from the highest levels.

Nationalist MPs Beppe Fenech Adami, David Agius, Karl Gouder and Charlo Bonnici, MEP Simon Busuttil and PN officials Frank Psaila and Paula Mifsud Bonnici were among the protesters.

Also present was Evarist Bartolo, PL spokesman on education and civil rights.

The organisations taking part in the walk include Moviment Graffitti, the Jesuit Refugee Service, GetUp StandUp, Aditus Foundation, Integra Foundation, Alternattiva Demokratika Zghazagh, Third World Group, Koperattiva Kummerc Gust and Kopin.