Cutajar reports racist comment to police over Cisse killing

According to Lovin Malta, which cited reporting by Times of Malta on the comment, it was posted beneath a Times of Malta video about the circumstances surrounding the killing of Cisse, a 42-year-old father from Ivory Coast who was shot dead in Birżebbuġa. Two other Black men were also shot in the same incident and survived.

Lovin Malta reported that the commenter praised the two former soldiers accused in connection with the murder, described their alleged actions as an attempt to defend Malta, and expressed disappointment that the other two men had survived. The outlet also said the comment used racist language and encouraged further violence against Black people.

Cutajar said on Facebook that she had reported what she called “a shocking comment of racial hatred” to the police. She said it was worrying and shameful to see people use social media to justify or glorify violence against others because of their skin colour or background.

“We can discuss immigration and the challenges it brings, but we can never accept hatred and violence,” she said, according to Lovin Malta. “Anyone who thinks that violence and racism are somehow patriotism and a defence of our country is wrong.”

The minister’s intervention is narrower than the comment she described: a police report, not a prosecution. Lovin Malta noted that under Maltese law, inciting hatred or violence, including through social media, can constitute a criminal offence.

The comment surfaced as proceedings continue over Cisse’s killing. Lovin Malta reported that prosecutors allege former soldier Lorin Scicluna and another former soldier deliberately targeted Black people in the shooting that killed Cisse and injured two other men. Scicluna has pleaded not guilty, while Francesco Fenech, who is also accused in connection with the killing, faces separate proceedings.

A police report is not a finding, and the reported comment has not been tested in court. But on the account published by Lovin Malta, the remark Cutajar reported went well beyond insult: it allegedly applauded a killing and urged more of the same.