This is the whole statement issued from our Maltese Bishops:
As Bishops of Malta and Gozo we wish to express our profound sorrow and also our concern with respect to the tragic death of the immigrant Mamadou Kamara from Mali. On behalf of the Christian community in Malta, we offer our condolences to his family and friends. At this time, we wish to express our solidarity with the immigrant community, particularly those who live among us in Malta.
The death of Mamadou Kamara raises many serious inquiries. What led to the murder of a person who was under civil protection? We wait in anticipation for the conclusions of competent persons and authorities in order that the Maltese public and the immigrant community may set their minds at rest. Another question which arises is whether this incident could serve as a catalyst for further reflection upon the present political criteria that is being adopted, as well the situation and environment in which immigrants are presently detained. Can alternatives be found with respect to the different situations of the immigrants? The fundamental guiding principle in such cases should be profound respect for the inherent dignity of every human being.
This incident also offers our society an opportunity to assess its attitude towards those people who are seeking asylum in our country. Here we are referring to politicians, the media, opinion-formers, the various complaints that are voiced and different discussions which are held between us at our places of work, in shops, comments which appear on online newspapers and other internet sites whenever another boat carrying immigrants arrives in Malta and also within the Church; in all of the above fora, we ought to pay less attention to that which others have to say and comport ourselves in accordance with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, even at the cost that we may suffer. Comments, discussions and behaviour which are depreciatory and racist in nature, all go against the dignity of the person and also against the teaching of the Gospel.
We have no doubt that there are many people involved who do their utmost to understand the situation and help those who are detained in the open centres. Here we cannot fail to mention the officials of the Detention Services, members of the Police Corps and Armed Forces, medics and para-medics, social workers and others. We also acknowledge the dedicated services of several non-Governmental organizations, as well as agencies and Government departments, all of which provide a valid service to those persons seeking asylum and immigrants who are unable to return to their own countries.
+ PAUL CREMONA O.P.
Archbishop of Malta
+ MARIO GRECH
Bishop of Gozo