AD supports anti-racism Suleiman Abubaker vigil
Alternattiva Demokratika to support vigil for Suleiman Abubaker - Sudanese migrant who died during a violent incident in Paceville two years ago.
The Sudanese migrant died on 9 June 2009 from extensive head injuries he sustained in an attack by a bouncer outside Footloose bar in Paceville, on 29 May 2009.
Abubaker, a migrant with temporary humanitarian status, is believed to have died after being hit by bouncer Duncan Deguara. Deguara was subsequently arraigned and charged with grievously injuring Abubaker.
AD’s migration and citizenship spokesperson Robert Callus expressed concern at how, according to eyewitness Ramon Moyon, a 19-year-old Frenchman, Abubaker suffered further kicks by passers-by when he was lying on the ground after being punched by a bouncer.
“Since when has it become the norm to kick a person lying unconscious on the ground, rather than call an ambulance?” Callus asked.
The vigil is being organised by for Migrants Network for Equality and Moviment Graffitti.
Callus also referred to an incident which took place a month later involving a migrant a riding a bicycle in Hal Far, who was beaten with iron bars by three Maltese men unknown to him, and left lying unconscious in the middle of the road.
Callus said that among migrants living in Open Centres “there is still concern about racist thugs who commit violent aggressions against them.”
AD chairperson Michael Briguglio reiterated AD’s solidarity with all victims of racism. “As a Green Party, we believe in societies based on diversity, pluralism and mutual respect. Fundamentalism, such as racism, has no space in a democracy."