A magistrate yesterday pointed out that a “frightening” level of racism was being expressed, as he jailed a 26-year-old Libyan refugee for eight months.

Khalid Eddali was arrested on the roof of a Floriana property in Triq l-Arcisqof Caruana on August 31. He was found guilty of attempted burglary and relapsing.

Quoting a former and current pope, as well the President of Malta and the Gozo Bishop on the subject of immigration, Magistrate Joseph Mifsud said the court was shocked at comments being made on online blogs, The level of racism, intolerance and animosity towards refugees was frightening.

“Reading these comments leads the court to ask what has become of the values of hospitality and compassion to the afflicted, who built this country,” he said.

He also observed that it was the absolute minority of migrants who did not abide by the law and who were casting a shadow on the rest.

“The court will deal with these few with an iron fist and encourage the authorities to use the power granted by law to take drastic steps, including their removal from the country.”