A rainbow flag erected by the Balzan local council to celebrate Pride Week was burnt down last night.

In a Facebook post, Balzan deputy mayor Angelo Micallef decried the burning down of the flag as “shameful” and confirmed it will be reported to the police.

https://www.facebook.com/micallefangelo/photos/a.909409309074005/2912020238812892/?type=3&theater

“This morning the Balzan Local Council woke up to the news that the pride flag that had been fixed to the council flag pole near the council office was burnt during the night,” he said. “I am informed that a police report shall be filed accordingly. It is shameful that in this day and age a simple symbol gesture meant to send a message against discrimination still generates such hateful acts.”

“As Deputy Mayor I express my disgust at this act and hope that those responsible are caught. This act was not only violent and disgusting in its intent but also dangerous given that the area is surrounded by trees.”

The flag was burned a day before Pride March, the annual event in Valletta which celebrates the LGBT+ community.

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