Survey: Should Pepper Spray Be Legalised In Malta?
Pepper spray in Malta is illegal to purchase and carry. It’s a weapon saved solely for detention officers, with police and members of the armed forces also unable to carry pepper spray canisters.
However, time and time again, the conversation on the legalisation and regulation of pepper spray resurfaces, oftentimes ignited by horrific cases of assault and gender-based violence. In fact, back in 2022, just days after the grisly murder of Polish national Paulina Dembska in Sliema, a petition for the legalisation of pepper spray was set up.
This sparked a mixed discussion on the argument with people warning legislation may be the start of a slippery slope, empowering anybody to carry a weapon on them at all times. It was further explained that introducing pepper spray does not address the root causes of women needing to defend themselves.
On the other hand, people have stated that weapons like pepper spray allow victims to protect themselves from a distance, giving them time to run and escape while alternatives like deodorant or perfume are not as effective.
There’s a mixed approach towards pepper spray across the world. In countries like Germany and France, pepper spray is legal solely for self-defence, while nations like the UK and Norway have a complete ban.
But we want to know, has there ever been a situation wherein pepper spray could have protected you? And do you think it should be legalised? Fill out the survey below
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