The European Green Party condemns the behaviour of the Maltese authorities and strongly deplores the fact that the authors of literary works (whether of value or not is immaterial) are prosecuted in Maltese law courts
Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, stated: “The European Green Party leaders meeting in Barcellona were shocked at hearing of the arraignment of author Alex Vella Gera in court. This behaviour on the part of an EU member state is totally unacceptable, when considering that the EU is a bulwark that defends civil liberties”
The European Green party stated that it is unacceptable that in a democratic European society authors are persecuted for their literature. This attitude is reminiscent of authoritarian and confessional societies, and should be immediately stopped and withdrawn.
Arraignment of such persons is not only a breach of individual rights but an anachronistic legacy which can be used arbitrarily to repress artists and minorities whose lifestyle or opinions do not conform to the views.
The European Green Party holds that rather than arraigning artists, the Maltese authorities should focus on the battle against hate crimes such as racism and xenophobia,
Irrespective of the religious, political or cultural belief in question, this is essential in a society based on pluralism and respect of diversity.
