Canisters Of Pepper Spray Reportedly Seized By Migrants In Ħal Safi ‘Riot’
Migrants have reportedly seized a number of pepper spray canisters amidst what is being called a ‘riot’ by officers at the Ħal Safi Detention Centre.
At least two police officers were sent to Mater Dei following the latest round of protests where migrants are demanding better conditions and their freedom back.
Members of the Armed Forces of Malta alongside police officers were on the scene last night during what at least one officer described as a “larger than usual” protest. However, police officers left during the night.
A source within the AFM reportedly said that they were ready to take action if the situation escalated. However, it never did.
It was reported by Net News that canisters of pepper spray had been stolen and some machinery had been damaged. It was also reported that the migrants had taken control of a part of the centre for a time.
A search of each person that took part in the protest as well as their sleeping quarters was conducted, with any illicit items being confiscated.
A source within the centre told One that there was no chance that any migrants escaped during the protest.
At least one of the police officers has since been released from Mater Dei following medical tests.
There have been multiple protests throughout September, with migrants banging on locked gates while shouting: “Freedom…we want freedom”. The situation has become so bad for some that the rap song ‘Hell Far’ was recorded and released by some of the migrants in the Ħal-Far ‘tent city’.
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