Valletta Man ‘Tased’ During Police Operation Following Suicidal Plea For Help On Facebook
Trigger warning – this article discusses the topic of suicidal thoughts
A Valletta man whose public Facebook call for help went viral yesterday was tased by police after they turned up to his home to ensure his safety.
Officers undertook a welfare check at the man’s house after his emotional Facebook status, which included a line implying he may kill himself as a result of the desperation he feels due to not finding support over his medical condition, a serious spinal ailment.
“I’m not going to end my life because I can’t walk, but because I’m in pain and no one wants to help me get the operation I need, I’m tired of this country where favouritism reigns. Bye bye,” the man posted to his personal social media yesterday.
The man’s post led to several people calling for help and support for the man.
Subsequently, two police officers undertook a welfare check at the man’s home yesterday after his public Facebook post. However, the man refused to leave his home, resisting orders, leading to them using a taser gun on the man to restrain him.
He was then removed and is currently in Mount Carmel, Lovin Malta is informed. A source intimate with the case said officers had followed protocol, and used the taser after he was aggressive towards the officers.
Speaking to Lovin Malta on condition of anonymity, one of the man’s friends said his suicidal talk on Facebook was nothing more than a desperate plea for help after being ignored for many years.
“He is the definition of desperate,” she said. “Living in terrible, humid conditions, rejected and broken, with authorities either ignoring him or giving false promises for after the elections.”
“He wrote that he wants to kill himself – but if he really wanted to, he could have already. He’s dying slowly, suffering greatly, and he’s so frustrated.”
The friend said that the medical intervention he needs may total to around €200,000, but with no family members and no public support, he isn’t sure what else he can do. She called on Health Minister Chris Fearne to step in and help the man out before he’s pushed beyond the edge.
“Where are the Maltese people’s hearts?” she ended. “In Istrina, everyone helps – but then once it’s over, everyone looks away.”
If this story has affected you or your mental health, here are some options:
Persons who are in crisis can approach the Accident and Emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital or Primary Health Department and seek help from Mental Health Service professionals.
People passing through difficult moments and contemplating Suicide, as well as survivors of these tragic events, can seek help from available services: Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic (SPOT) services by appointment on 2122 8333 (Victim Support Malta), Supportline 179 (FSWS) and 1770 (Richmond Foundation).
Anonymous chats such as kellimni.com, Olli chat or Krizi are also an option. One can contact the family doctor or health centre or by speaking to a person of trust.
Public officers can seek the help of the Employee Support Programme (ESP).
What should be done in a situation like this?
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