Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Dr Harry Vassallo has urged the authorities to curb what he described as “political terrorism” and to punish the perpetrators of the arson attacks on the Jesuit community and on a private residence in Pembroke.

“There is nothing more dangerous to a society than its submission to threats and assaults of the kind. It is not only the Jesuit community that has been attacked but all of society which witnesses these acts and is placed under threat,” Dr Vassallo said.

Another arson attack on a private residence in Pembroke some days ago may also be linked to the latest incident, he said, adding that the indications of which may have caused the damage in both instances lie clearly in the opinions expressed by the victims who have publicly denounced racism and xenophobia and “in the fact that in both cases the offenders have not felt the need to claim responsibility for these acts of intimidation”.

“This sort of bullying must be severely repressed, if necessary by the passing of special laws. The midnight arsonists, those who vandalise our national heritage and public monuments for their own stupid reasons, step outside the democratic process and pose a threat to the rights of freedom of expression of all Maltese citizens.

“This kind of violence whether for private or political reasons must be taken very seriously and every effort must be made to bring the offenders to justice,” emphasised Dr Vassallo.

He said that similar acts made it more difficult for citizens to express themselves freely, to stand for public office and to participate in public life.

“The damage done is not only to the seven cars of the Jesuit community nor to the Pembroke residence’s front door but to each and every one of us. We must let the offenders know that they will not be allowed to get away with such acts of small-minded terrorism,” Dr Vassallo said.

In a statement yesterday, Labour spokesman on home affairs Gavin Gulia condemned the cowardly acts and called on the Police Commissioner to step up efforts to catch the culprits.

He called on the public not to be misled by those who claim they are acting in the national interest.