Immigrants' behaviour

Paul Radmilli, writing from Denmark, objected to the use of metaphoric English to describe the recapture of escapees from detention. He objected to the use of the words "shepherded" and "herded" because they carried the connotation of animals in referring to the illegal immigrants.

Since when, I ask, have animals wielded bricks, stones and metal objects and used them to inflict injury or worse on the police and armed forces? The illegal immigrants did not behave like animals but like violent criminals. Mr Radmilli's main concern was not for the forces of law and order but he sided with these violent and unwanted aliens.

I am, therefore, surprised The Times apologised to Mr Radmilli. The newspaper is usually forthright and courageous in its stance. Malta should also stop apologising for a problem that is not its fault.