The European Network Against Racism condemned the “hate speech” used by Maltese internet users against the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström.

It also condemned similar hate speech addressed at asylum seekers and NGOs following the European Commission’s call for 102 migrants aboard the tanker MT Salamis to be disembarked in Malta.

“Many individuals posted racist and abusive comments on social media, several of them targeting the commissioner personally. The ENAR underscores that online hate speech is a violation of human rights.

“We urge governments to reinforce legislation to monitor hate on the internet and to adopt a zero tolerance policy to stigmatising comments likely to incite violence, racism or other forms of discrimination,” it said.

The ENAR said it fully supported the call by Ms Malmström to prioritise the protection of lives when she told Malta it had a humanitarian duty to save the migrants.

The ENAR works against racism and discrimination in Europe, advocating equality and solidarity for all.

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