The MHRA has expressed concern that Malta could lose its coveted "absolutely safe destination" status, if situations similar to yesterday’s fracas at Bugibba square repeat themselves.
Two men were arrested after a violent brawl in Bugibba Square yesterday evening. Several people took part and chairs, bollards and sticks were used during the fight, which was filmed on a mobile phone by a bystander. The footage was uploaded to Facebook, with the person uploading it commenting that there was not a single police officer in sight. The clip shows several men hurling punches and kicks while shouting in Arabic. Families with children are seen walking by. The two men who have been arrested are Syrians. They are aged 25 and 41. They were treated for injuries at the Mosta Health Centre.
The MHRA, in a statement today, said that "apart from the unacceptable behaviour of what appears to be guests in Malta. What was of great concern was the time it took for the police to arrive on the scene. The MHRA believes that there should be round the clock police presence and real time CCTV surveillance systems, in strategic areas to assist the Police to respond rapidly and deal with similar situations within a matter of minutes."
“MHRA has emphasised that Safety is the number one priority for our country and the call to increase police presence within strategic areas must be met with a well thought out process” said Mr Tony Zahra, MHRA President. “The law must be applied to its fullest extent as the economy of the island and the safety of the law-abiding citizen is being threatened. Everyone must accept responsibility for their actions”.
MHRA are calling on all the authorities to take action immediately against the perpetrators and avoid the long delays in court in coming to a decision as to who is responsible for this threat to our economy and security and hold them responsible according to law