Gozitan Man Sentenced To Two Years In Jail For Throwing Somali Teen Into Mġarr Harbour

Two years after an event that sparked outrage on social media, Delian Mifsud, a 21-year-old man from Xewkija, Gozo, has been sentenced to a two-year jail term for throwing a Somali teenager into the sea.

The court’s verdict, announced today, brings to a close the case that raised alarming concerns over racially-motivated attacks.

Mifsud was found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm, causing slight injuries, damaging the victim’s Apple iPhone, and breaching the public peace, following a July 2018 incident that was captured on camera and circulated widely on social media.

The disturbing footage depicted Mifsud assaulting the Somali man at Mgarr Harbour, dragging him across the front of the harbour before throwing him into the sea in front of a crowd.

The incident took place on  July 18th, with a witness describing the scene as a group of approximately 15 people, with one individual attempting to assert dominance in front of the crowd.

The onlookers were described as ‘cheering’ as Mifsud attacked the victim, leading to the victim hitting his face on a boat as he was thrown into the sea. The victim managed to pull himself out of the water, visibly humiliated and confused by the unprovoked assault.

The case has stirred considerable public debate on the treatment of migrants in Malta. The footage of the assault, which can be viewed here, became a symbol of the hostility that the immigrant community sometimes faces in the country.

What is your opinion on the court’s verdict?