After Rita Ellul And Paulina Dembska’s Murders, MEP Blasts Malta’s Rife ‘Misogyny’
Maltese MEP Josianne Cutajar has blasted misogyny on the island following the alleged murder of Rita Ellul, earmarking the incident as the second femicide on the island in a span of two months.
“Rita Ellul – a mother allegedly killed, strangled by a man, in Gozo,” she began. “Another sorrowful episode in our country.”
“This is the second alleged case of femicide in the span of a few weeks. A reminder that more needs to be done if we are to overcome misogyny. Rest in peace.”
It’s been just over a month since the rape and murder of Paulina Dembska, a 29-year-old Polish woman, in Sliema, and the country is still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the brutal attack.
Vigils have also been held in Paulina’s name, with one held the day after the murder gathering hundreds of people to the site of her murder, as a direct commemoration of her life.
People from all walks of life joined in to remember her name and stand against the injustice sustained, in Sliema’s Independent gardens.
Shortly after a demonstration was held in Valletta, where people took to the streets to send a clear-cut message about the lack of awareness on femicide in Malta.
Paulina Dembska
Tributes are pouring in for Rita Ellul, mother of three from Iklin, who is believed to have been killed by her partner over Carnival weekend in Gozo.
Ellul’s body was found in a home in Triq Dun Franġisk Mizzi, Għajnsielem, at around noon on Saturday. However, following an autopsy, the death is now being treated as a homicide, with a man set to be charged with her murder today at 1.30pm.
Malta has reacted in shock to the news, with some questioning whether this is another case of femicide in Malta in 2022.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
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