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Tag: hate crime

MGRM and aditus joint statement on a worrying hate crime judgement

MGRM and aditus wish to issue a statement with respect to the sentence decided in court today, where a trans person was assaulted on his place of work by a restaurant owner. We will, first of all, condemn the free-for-all attitude where a restaurant owner feels he can physically assault a patron who gets in touch in order to complain for not having been served adequately.

Also importantly, we would like to clarify that unlike certain early reports in the media, the victim is a trans man, using the pronouns he/him. We would also like to emphasise that both the victim and a witness stated that the aggressor insulted the victim during the assault, telling him that he was “not a real man, but a woman”.

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We express solidarity and deep sorrow

Joint NGO Statement on the murder of Lassibe Souleymane

We are deeply saddened by news of the death of Lassibe Souleymane, brutally shot in Ħal Far over the weekend. We also wish all the very best to the two other victims of the shooting, and hope they recover without permanent or serious damage. Whatever the actual reasons for this terrible incident, it affects not only the three victims but the entire migrant community in creating a sense of fear, lack of security and isolation. It also affects us all, a nation jolted by an appalling act of violence.

As we eagerly await the outcome of the investigations, we urge Malta’s highest authorities to unequivocally condemn all forms of violence – whatever their motivation. We caution that, should it emerge that this was in fact a racially-motivated incident, Malta would be called upon to face far more than an act of assault, but far graver crime aimed at instilling terror in entire communities.

Secondly, we expect the Malta Police Force to step up: commit all necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice; ensure the survivors are treated as victims of crime and guaranteed all the support and protection they need.

Importantly we underline the need to comfort and express solidarity with all residents of Ħal Far, assuring that all will be done to restore good order and security for the locality’s communities.

Statement endorsed by the following organisations:

  1. aditus foundation
  2. African Media Association Malta
  3. Allied Rainbow Communities (arc)
  4. Blue Door English
  5. The Critical Institute
  6. Department for Inclusion and Access to Learning, University of Malta
  7. Drachma LGBTI
  8. Drachma Parents
  9. Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants
  10. Integra Foundation
  11. International Association for Refugees
  12. Isles of the Left
  13. Jesuit Refugee Service (Malta)
  14. Kopin
  15. LGBTI Plus Gozo
  16. Malta Emigrants’ Commission
  17. Malta Humanist Association
  18. Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement
  19. Men Against Violence
  20. Moviment Graffitti
  21. National Foster Care Association Malta
  22. Richmond Foundation
  23. Solidarity with Migrants
  24. SOS Malta
  25. Spark15
  26. Sudanese Community Malta
  27. Victim Support Malta
  28. Women’s Rights Foundation