‘Pufta, Whore, Turncoat’: Labour MPs Receive Disturbing, Sexist Handwritten Letters In Parliament
At least two Labour MPs have received disturbing handwritten notes in Parliament full of offensive and threatening language, leading to calls for protection for the individuals in question.
A written letter sent to Randolph De Battista features foul, vulgar language, attempting to belittle the MP in a number of ways.
Words like “freak of nature” and “pufta” are used alongside threats that “everyone eventually gets what’s coming to them”.
De Battista reported the anonymous letter to both the police and the Speaker Anglu Farrugia, saying that “no threats or attempts at intimidation will stop myself or Cyrus Engerer on working on that we believe in.”
“To the ‘saint’ behind the letters, I wish him a year full of health and peace.”
MP Rebecca Buttigieg also received a letter full of “misogynist insults and threats simply because I am a female MP pushing forward legal amendments protecting women’s lives”.
Her vulgar note was full of belittling comments as well, attempting to put her down for being a woman. Former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff is also mentioned in an attempt to shame her for her beliefs.
The letters come as Malta’s Parliament voted in favour of a historic second reading of a bill expanding access to abortion in cases where a woman’s life is at grave risk.
The MPs received the letters among the correspondences they recieve at the beginning of each session.
Online, people reacted strongly to the letters, condemning them fully.
“This is disgusting and disrespectful. I’m glad you are taking action,” said one person in reaction to the letters.
What do you make of these kinds of anonymous notes?
READ NEXT: Watch: Historic Moment As Malta's Parliament Votes In Favour Of New Abortion Bill
