Qormi's Salib tad-Dejma destroyed, politicians condemn act of vandalism

A historic monument in the outskirts of Qormi was destroyed on Tuesday morning, with residents and politicians voicing their anger over the incident.

Qormi residents woke up on Tuesday to news that a historic cross, known as the Salib tad-Dejma, was damaged after vandals destroyed and broke off parts of the structure. 

Culture minister Jose Herrera said that he will make sure that necessary steps are taken to bring justice to the monument, while appealing for more appreciation towards Malta's culture and history.

"It is unacceptable for our heritage to be shattered and vandalised in this way... when will we learn to appreciate what makes us who we are?" he wrote on Facebook.

Former president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who grew up in Qormi, said that the incident poses a great loss to Qormi and to Maltese heritage.

"I call on the authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that the vandals compensate for this," she said.

Coleiro Preca recalled childhood memories of the structure, saying that the cross served as a landmark for children at the time. 

She went on to lament over how the Ħandaq area has since become an industrial estate, but with to protection offered to the historical heritage of the area,

The Qormi Local Council promptly condemned the vandalism, which took place after the council announced that restoration will be carried out on the monument.

"We expect justice with the people of Qormi and the Maltese Historical Heritage," it said.