Editorial

A senior police officer, evidently dedicated to his duty to uphold law and order, recently passed some sharp comments in court which, unfortunately, stirred a hornet's nest. Alas, the unwarranted decision by an online group, calling itself Save Malta From Illegal Immigrants, to present him with a Man Of The Year plaque only served to complicate matters.

Two journalists covering a case in which a young Somali admitted to theft from a car in Marsa reported the police superintendent saying that the Maltese people cannot even go to Marsa - where an open centre hosting migrants is located - because they are afraid. "With all due respect," he was also quoted as saying," we are not in Somalia. If they do not have laws there, we do and they have to understand this."

This happened on December 17 and, as was to be expected, the incident provoked an immediate reaction, both in favour and against what the police officer was reported as having said.

On January 3, the police issued a clarification as to what Mr Valletta had declared in court. Why such a long time was allowed to pass before making the clarification is unknown. Perhaps it was hesitation or bureaucracy. Whatever, the delay only allowed the controversy to fester. In such instances, one must strike when the iron is still hot.

In any case, the police insisted that the officer had not said that the locality was a no-go zone but that "we should ensure the Maltese are not scared to go to Marsa".

He, it was further declared in the clarification, went on to say that the court should hand down a severe punishment precisely to ensure that Maltese people are not scared to go to Marsa, adding that it is the police's duty to make sure this does not happen.

Readers can draw their own conclusions. What is evident, and this is worth repeating, is that the police officer was speaking out of experience and could have had no other motivation but his desire to ensure that Maltese citizens, and, indeed, visitors, invited or not, feel safe wherever they go in this tiny island. Well, as safe as possible, because bad elements are found everywhere.

In addition, one cannot conclude that the officer would not have made the same comments had the accused been of another nationality and/or colour. Why jump into conclusions unless there is ample proof to do so?

The stark reality is that many people do fear being in certain parts of Marsa, especially during certain hours. As has been pointed out in letters to The Times, this is not a recent phenomenon either. There are other localities too which some would label as being unsafe at times.

The worse that can happen is that we remain in denial and fool ourselves that all is fine.

Likewise, it would be catastrophic if police officers were to find themselves unable to speak their mind when dealing with crime cases in court. That would only give rise to a situation where people may end up harbouring a false sense of security.

So, rather than focusing on the detail, why not consider what is the essence in this case? And what is essential here is to assess the situation on the ground and take all necessary measures to ensure that law and order is continuously maintained, whatever the nationality, colour or creed of the perpetrator/s. And that does not only apply to Marsa.