Ħal Far Open Centre CEO Praises Migrants Who Defended Staff During Barbaric Riots
Migrants who protected staff during last Monday’s barbaric riots at the Ħal Far open centre have been praised by the CEO of the agency which manages the open centre.
Mauro Farrugia, CEO of the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS), described the riots as one of AWAS’ darkest days but said there were migrants who helped out the staff too.
“A new day, after perhaps one of AWAS’ darkest days,” he wrote on Facebook. “We must be positive, I appreciate the messages of support I received and the presence of the staff who stuck by my and their friends’ side till the end to ensure things are returned to normal. AWAS is nothing without you.”
“I’ve also heard many cruel and racist comments, filled with spite (ħdura) and faulty logic. As one of the people who entered [the open centre] and who was there during practically all the stages, I won’t only say the obvious and condemn this barbaric act but I’d also like to thank those migrants who protected me, those who stood up for us and helped us out, those who disagreed with the violence and tried to do their utmost [to stop it]. The picture isn’t all dark.”
“We go again, which isn’t a problem because AWAS is its staff, hard-headed people with a determination the likes of which I’ve never seen before.
READ NEXT: WATCH: The Sack Of Ħal Far’s Open Centre: Burning Fires, Broken Cameras And Pillaged Offices
