Facebook insults hurled at Metsola after speaking out against xenophobia

It is not the first time that politicians face all sort of insults when taking strong positions on unpopular issues, especially when it comes to migration and the European Union.

Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola is not new to such vile attacks, having already been a victim of hate speech after a man wrote on Facebook that he hoped Metsola is gang-raped by irregular migrants. The Maltese national would later claim his Facebook had been hacked.

The latest threat saw a Facebook user, hiding behind a fake ‘Save Malta’ profile, suggesting that Metsola “be shot” for her comments at the European Parliament.

Other despicable comments ensued, including further references to rape and assault.

"I did not enter politics to say things that everyone will always agree with, I speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in, that has always been my style and I will not change it. I respect criticism from anyone no matter how harsh it may be and will happily argue my corner with anyone. This goes beyond that, it exposes a level of a level of intolerance that is worrying. It always impresses me how people spewing hatred from behind their screens think that they can say whatever they like online without any consequences," Metsola told MaltaToday.

"This was not the first nor will it be the last of these incidents, but it will not affect my work in any way - on the contrary it will only serve to make my convictions stronger."

Ironically, Metsola’s speech focused on the importance of respecting each other’s rights and freedoms and hatred – being against women, religions or any other minorities – was unacceptable. She was reacting to the attacks in Cologne’s central train station on New Year’s Eve.

“There is no cultural excuse for the attacks in Cologne, just like there are no cultural excuses for violence or racism. Who you are or what you believe in shouldn’t matter because the message we want to deliver is that everyone has the right to live without fear,” she said in a speech deliver last week at the European Parliament.

She added that everyone should respect basic values.

The comments have been condemned by the politicians in Malta and aditus foundation.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia issued a statement deploring the comments posted on her Facebook wall, while the Nationalist Party expressed solidarity with its MEP.

“No society allows such threats, be it politicians or citizens,” the PN said.

Aditus Foundation said that the threats were a worrying reminder of what happens when societies ignore, support or fuel right-wing sentiments and expressions. “It is unacceptable for any person to be attacked in such a manner, and we expect a full and unequivocal condemnation of these threats by the competent authorities,” aditus said.

It noted that
discussions on migration are challenging and often trigger deep emotional reactions. It is a complex subject that touches upon those elements held so dearly by many persons: identity, religion, security and family. “Because it is so sensitive and complex, it demands respect for all involved, accurate information on which to base arguments and conclusions and a common understanding that the expression of disagreements is an integral part of democracy,” aditus said.

“The values of decency, human dignity and fundamental human rights must be at the core of our discussions on migrants and refugees, whatever our positions and opinions. Yet hatred, violence, and vulgarity seem to be the only values known to those persons who are unwilling to engage in a more respectful, dignified and constructive manner.”

Aditus said that such individuals seek to instill fear in the hope that the debate will scurry away or, worse, that it will be killed. 



"aditus foundation supports a more productive expressive freedom. Often on the receiving end of similar threats, we nonetheless insist on upholding fundamental human rights at all times, and at all costs. We therefore express our solidarity with MEP Metsola and with all persons and institutions who come under vicious fire for their work, opinions and beliefs," aditus director Neil Falzon added.

“We therefore invite the Maltese authorities and all of society to take a clearer stand against racism and hate speech, in support of a migration discussion that is inclusive, respectful and dignified.”