Following the death of Suleiman Ismail Abubaker, Moviment Graffitti is holding a peaceful walk against racism and violence in the streets of Paceville tomorrow, starting at 7.30pm from Baystreet – saying that Malta’s first racism related killing should not pass by unnoticed.
Suleiman Abubaker died in hospital as a result of injuries sustained during a beating by a bouncer and after being kicked by unknown passersby when he was nearly unconscious lying on the ground in Paceville two weeks ago.
Moviment Graffitti said: “We are convinced that this first death in our country caused by racism cannot be left unnoticed. This incident happened in Paceville, where racism has been the order of the day for years. Members of Moviment Graffitti have for long thought that it was only a matter of time before a tragic death like this took place.”
The movement continued: “Black persons in Paceville face a lot of hostility, especially from club bouncers. Apart from the fact that the majority of clubs do not let black persons in, they also often risk violent aggression because of their skin colour.
We are also shocked that Suleiman was even allegedly kicked by passers by while lying on the ground.”
The movement said: “The aim of this walk in Paceville is to show that we cannot continue to accept this situation. Our point is not to accuse the Maltese people of being racist, but to say that there are realities of racism that cannot be ignored. We urge all those who have values of justice and humanity at heart to join us at 7.30pm at Baystreet, this Saturday, 13 June. We will walk peacefully through the streets of Paceville. People are invited to bring candles with them.”
Mr Abubaker’s death has brought about a round of condemnation and anger from his friends at the Marsa Open Centre. Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, residents at the centre said they had realised that Mr Abubaker had gone missing as he had not returned to Marsa. They repeatedly enquired as to his condition and whereabouts with the police and Mater Dei Hospital, but no one gave them any information, even though Mr Abubaker was battling for his life in the Intensive Therapy Unit. A number of his friends were planning to mount an impromptu protest march, but later decided against it. It remains to be seen now whether the police and prosecution authorities will increase the gravity of the charges leveled against Duncan Deguara, 29, from Paola. He was originally accused of seriously injuring Mr Abubaker, fracturing his skull on the night between 29 and 30 May. He was also charged with working as a bouncer without the relevant permit.
Now the charges could be changed to causing serious injury followed by death, or even murder. Mr Abubaker was allegedly drunk when he was beaten, but was not reported to be displaying any signs of aggression. He had already been beaten up about a year ago in a similar situation.