Further ‘Legal Limbo’ For The El Hiblu 3 As Case Proceeds Despite Protests
Following today’s preliminary session, it was decided that the El Hiblu 3 case will go ahead, despite widespread protest by the country’s activists.
With terrorism charges still hanging over Amara, Kader, and Abdalla’s heads the trio remain in a terrifying “legal limbo”,
“The opportunity to finally end the farcical trial of the El Hiblu 3 was missed today at the court of Malta,” they said, adding that the three West Africans have had “their lives put on hold and their youth stolen.”
“For acting as translators and mediators on the merchant vessel El Hiblu 1 and playing an important role in preventing the forced return of over 100 people to Libya, they continue to pay a very high price,” the statement continued.
“We have said it for years: clearly, they are neither criminals nor terrorists. They are defenders of human rights. Only weeks ago, in April 2024, the three received the Human Rights Defenders Award at the University of Malta. When presenting the three with the award, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the former President of Malta, stated: ‘Their bravery and courage have been an inspiration to all human rights defenders across the globe.’”
The NGOs went on to say that they will “continue to stand beside them as they weather this cruel injustice.”
“We will stand with the El Hiblu 3 as long as it takes and until they are free.”
Abdalla, Amara, and Kader acted as translators and mediators between the distressed passengers and crew, convincing the captain to alter course towards Malta. However, upon arrival, they were apprehended by the authorities. At the time, they were only 15, 19, and 16 years old, respectively.
Almost five years later, they still face charges ranging from terrorism to illegal detention and assault, despite criticism by local and international human rights organisations deeming these accusations baseless.
Just last month, former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca delivered a powerful speech during a demonstration outside the law courts, showing solidarity for the five years of legal uncertainty endured by the El Hiblu 3.
“They don’t even have evidence,” she stated, before stressing that human rights are universal, applying to everyone, not just locals.
She highlighted the heroic deeds of these boys, portraying them as saviours who rescued 120 individuals from potential torture, rather than criminals.
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