Joseph Muscat Blasts ‘Disgusting’ Racist Comments After Migrant Youths Charged With Terrorism
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat called out the “disgusting” and “racist” comments that were aired at migrants after three youths were charged with terrorism in connection with the hijacking of a ship.
“It saddens me that steps are being taken against youths, who could well have been fleeing from desperate situations, but everyone must respect the law,” Muscat told a political activity in Mtarfa this morning. “However, I was disgusted when I read certain comments by certain people who should know better, and who made it seem as though our armed forces should have shot at the boat.”
“We cannot take these comments seriously and we cannot take them lightly either, because the racism and intolerance that exists in some of us is disgusting. We cannot allow the waves of racism and extremism to take root in public discourse in Malta.”
While Muscat said he doesn’t blame residents of towns heavily populated by foreigners for feeling concerned, he pledged the government is taking their problems seriously.
“Marsa residents know all too well about how much security has increased, and indeed foreigners often criticise us for being too harsh,” he said. “My instructions to our security forces were clear. I don’t care whether people are white or black, Maltese or foreign, but action must be taken against all lawbreakers.”
The Prime Minister turned to the history books to back up his argument in favour of an ‘open doors’ policy to migration, arguing that we are now “living Dom Mintoff’s dream” for Malta to have so many jobs that it can cater for immigrants.
He also harked back to the post-war years, when several Maltese people were forced to emigrate to find work.
“Some of these Maltese migrants encountered problems in their new homes and were insulted as ‘Arabs’ or ‘blacks’. How ironic it is that we’re now using those same words to criticise others.”
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