Protest against illegal immigration comes with rules: 'no racist words'

“No passing of comments against the government of the day” and “no use of the words ‘black’ or ‘suwed’” are amongst the 10 set of guidelines issued by the organisers of a protest taking place this morning in Valletta.

The protest, which will start at 10am in Floriana, is being organised by the self-proclaimed Ghaqda Patrijotti Maltin and has urged attendees to follow its rules.

Together with the list of 10 rules, the organisers have issued an official poster which also includes a photo of philosopher Manwel Dimech.

Here are the 10 rules:

1. No one can pass comments against the government of the day
2. No one can insult or use disparaging language against anyone
3. No one can use the words ‘blacks’ or ‘suwed’
4. Organisers have the right to remove or report to the police anyone who shows signs of aggressiveness 
5. Placards featuring offensive language against a race, religion or known persons will not be accepted
6. Placards with obscene language will not be accepted
7. Anyone noticed under the influence of alcohol or substances will be handed over to the police by securities or marshals
8. Instigating aggressiveness will not be tolerated
9. T-shirts or flags supporting a political party will not be accepted
10. Only Maltese flags can be carried. If you notice anyone from a separate organisation showing any signs of provocations, notify the organisers or the marshals who will in turn notify the police. No one should give in to provocation. This walk is about illegal immigration and nothing else. Your cooperation is requested to make this protest a successful one and deliver our message in a civil and organised way

The organisers proceeded to post on Facebook a few photos, preview of the placards they prepared, on Saturday. Going by the message on the placards, the protestors are against multiculturalism – “Multiculture no thank you!” – and believe that the future of their children is threatened – “Il-futur ta’ uliedna mhedded”.

They are still angry at outgoing European Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, despite the fact that she is no longer the European Commissioner for Home Affairs as her five-year mandate has come to an end. Greek defence minister, Dimitris Avramopoulos, is set to replace her.

The Ghaqda Patrijotti Maltin will be flagging up the usual bugbears addressed to asylum seekers, who benefit from social services such as healthcare and housing, as laid down under EU and national legislation.