Racial-motivated random-shooting not excluded in the case of the murder of Lassine Cisse in Birzebbuga – reports
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Media reports say that the police are investigating the possibility that the drive-by murder of the Ivorian person near the Ħal Far open centre was a racially motivated killing.
TVM reports that Lassine Cisse, was identified as the person who was killed after being shot in the head on Saturday by an unknown gunman.
The Times says that “sources said the victims were found spread out across a stretch of Triq tal-Ġebel, a country lane often used by migrants walking to and from the open centre in Ħal Far. Two Ghanians sustained gunshot injuries but their condition was not serious.The fact that victims were not together has perplexed investigators, who are still trying to understand what sparked the murder.
Two other Ghanians were also found with gunshot injuries further down the road, but their conditions are not believed to be serious. All three men were residents of the Ħal Far open centre.
The area where the incident happened is a hotspot for racial attacks and incitement, Times of Malta reports.
The same report states that police have not excluded that it may have been a racially-motivated attack though police said it was “still too early” to reach conclusions. The police believe the shooter was riding in a white Toyota Starlet and are currently investigating CCTV footage.
The Times adds that a number of incidents were reported in the area between Birżebbuġa and Ħal Far in recent months.
Lovin Malta reports MEP Candidate Michael Briguglio referred to the reports in a video message, in which he said racists should not be allowed to give a bad name to Maltese society.
“Malta knows better than this,” he said. “I urge the authorities to conduct all necessary investigations in a manner that doesn’t trivialise this macabre murder and the injuries suffered by the two other people.”
Aditus Foundation also posted on its social medial saying that from information it had, the case is looking like a random racist attack. It adds that if this is so, this is a very sad day for Malta and an extremely local wake up call on the way Malta is treating foreigners.
