Maltin Mal-Immigranti: Protest Against Detention Of Five Ethiopian Men Set For Tomorrow
Malta will gather to protest the detention of five Ethiopian men currently detained in Safi after government raids on the community.
“For the better part of two decades, these men have built their lives here, working legally, paying social security and taxes, and contributing to our economy. They developed a network of friends, family, and colleagues and are a valuable part of our social fabric,” Moviment Graffitti wrote on Facebook.
The protest is tomorrow at 6pm in front of the Safi Detention Centre to “stand in solidarity and call on the authorities to immediately”.
The organisation further called for the raids targeting long-standing members of our community to be stopped.
“Create a pathway to a regularized status for people who have made a long-term positive contribution to our society.”
The Ethiopian community was targeted by government raids last month despite the fact that many have lived and worked in the country for up to 20 years.
The detained men who had temporary protection status and had a yellow book that allowed them to work legally were told that their application for refugee status was rejected.
The Home Affairs Ministry told the Times of Malta that the five men were detained to safeguard their return to Ethiopia in collaboration with Ethiopian authorities.
It explained that persons arriving in Malta irregularly and who do not qualify for international protection are offered a voluntary return package. Refusing this package results in forced returns, depending on the level of cooperation of the country of origin.
Will you be joining the protest?
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