Local Politicians And Public Figures React To Tragic Death Of Pelin Kaya With Robert Abela Still To Comment
The tragic death of Turkish national Pelin Kaya has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many condemning the suspect’s use of drugs and violence against an innocent woman celebrating her 30th birthday.
As a result, a number of politicians have spoken out in solidarity with all mourners calling for justice. However, Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, is yet to comment on the brutally senseless crime.
Below is a list of some of the island’s politicians who have reacted to the devastating murder of Pelin.
1. Bernard Grech
Opposition leader Bernard Grech posted about the murder after he and his wife attended the vigil last night.
“This girl, in the prime of her life, came to the country for a better life and a bright future. This killing shocked us all.”
“It is necessary to see that the relevant enforcement is done as soon as possible. It is important that everyone is subject to the law and that no one feels like they can do what they want.”
2. Alex Borg
Nationalist MP Alex Borg also spoke out. He highlighted how the lack of resources and morale facing Malta’s police force has caused a dwindle in enforcement and a rise in tragedies.
“A heartbreaking story. I can’t imagine what her family is going through – they probably feel that Malta, a country she loved so much, betrayed her.”
“This is not the Malta they know and it is not the Malta we know, one begins to ask what is the root cause of this issue.”
He went on to speak of the frequent cases of substance abuse in Malta due to “availability and an easy culture”.
“I keep asking, how did we get like this?”
“I often get an answer from police whom I have nothing but praise and thanks for everything they do. However, they tell me that the morale of in the Corps is low, that there are some that choose not to complete the 25 years of service.”
“Many hours and inadequate facilities. We’ve heard that the population has grown by 100,000 since 2014 but the number of police has decreased since 2018.”
“Fewer police, fewer resources, less enforcement and a greater probability that such cases continue to pass through the net and tragedies become more frequent.”
Borg concluded by calling for a change in direction.
3. Miriam Dalli
Miriam Dalli praised the police for the way they handled the arrest of Jeremie Camilleri in a new interview with Lovin Malta.
“I saw the police’s reaction and I must praise them for it because I thought it was quite effective.”
“I won’t delve into the merits of the case because police investigations are ongoing and we must await their outcome. However, it is a serious case that must be taken seriously.”
However, the minister played down concerns raised by Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) that Malta is witnessing a rise in drug-related violence.
4. Arnold Cassola
“How many professionals, lawyers, business people, maybe even some politician, jigbdu linja (take a line of cocaine) every so often?”
5. Conrad Borg Manche
Mayor of Gżira, Conrad Borg Manche, opened up about the tragedy on his social media.
“Heart breaking to say the least.”
“‘We trust you’ Pelin’s sister told me. I told her all Malta wants justice, we are all with you.”
Pelin was killed at around 1am on 18th January by 33-year-old Lija resident, Jeremie Camilleri, who was reportedly high on cocaine at the time.
Camilleri crashed into a restaurant after running over Pelin and reportedly became aggressive after he exited the vehicle. He showed aggression toward the victim, the people who tried to check up on her and the police officers who arrived on the scene.
Footage published by Lovin Malta captures the moment police officers tased and tackled him, right after he shouted “Take me down easy, you can take me down easy”.
Camilleri is currently in police custody.
Lovin Malta took a look into Camilleri’s criminal history, showing his past involvement in robberies, intimidation and even a bomb threat.
As noted above, a host of politicians have reacted to the murder barring Prime Minister Robert Abela who is yet to censure or at least comment on the crime.
What do you make of Abela’s silence?
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