The killing of Osama bin Laden was not welcomed with open arms by the Maltese, as many feared the repercussions of his death would unleash a beast much greater than its master.

“It’s good, but it doesn’t mean we can put our minds at rest, that we can live in peace. It will have repercussions,” pensioner Margaret Thitch of Valletta said.

The general feeling, however, was that the world’s most wanted terrorist got what he deserved.

“Osama bin Laden had it coming, he was playing with fire. Although I think that now the story will become harsher, he was never going to be in favour of the West and had to be met with a strong fist,” John Micallef, 54, of Valletta said, pointing out that things would have been worse if the West had cowered.

His words were echoed by Helen Grech of Sliema, who said she considered the possibility that Al-Qaeda would retaliate but still thought it was good they got bin Laden.

Reports of the killing had not sunk in for Rodianne Caruana, 22, of Pembroke, who said she did not believe the news.

“It was too soon and now they’re saying they buried him at sea, it makes me wonder why they wanted to get rid of him so quickly. However, if they really did kill him, I wouldn’t be shedding any tears for a terrorist,” she said.

As international news agencies went into overdrive, some seven hours after his death was announced on Monday, many people on the streets of Valletta remained oblivious about his downfall.

One smartly dressed lady in her 20s did not know who Osama bin Laden was when asked for her reaction.

Meanwhile, on timesofmalta. com, news of the terrorist’s death sparked mixed reactions from readers. Some greeted it as a good start to the week while others voiced their concern about the aftermath.

“Here goes World War III. I’m glad he has gone, although his followers will now launch attacks on America, UK and Europe,” Kelly Kirkbride said.

There was also disbelief, with some worried his renowned clips would reappear and others voicing concern that DNA tests might prove it was not the terrorist the Americans killed.

Others questioned the justice of his fate, like Lawrence Fenech, who said the killing was not justice but torture, murder and vengeance.

“Justice is done in a Criminal Court of Law and the accused gets what he deserves. Everyone has a right for defence whatever the crime,” he said.