Intolerance that killed Karin Grech is still evident today - ADPD

Karin Grech was a victim of intolerance that was current during her time, and that is still evident today. It has led to other murders such as that of Raymond Caruana (1986) and Daphne Caruana Galizia (2017), ADPD - The Green Party Chairperson, Carmel Cacopardo, said when commemorating the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Karin Grech on 28th December 1977.

At a press conference during which flowers were laid at the monument dedicated to Karin Grech in San Ġwann, Cacopardo said that these sad occasions remind us of what intolerance leads to. This intolerance is still evident today, albeit showing up in different – sometimes subtle – ways. Undoubtedly, this is mainly due to the political tribalism that still divides us and further leads to violence, which manifests itself both verbally and psychologically.

Karin Grech’s assassination has never spurred us on looking introspectively at our country: indeed, partisanship and intolerance bound together have unfortunately led to other murders, such as those of Raymond Caruana and Daphne Caruana Galizia. We are all duty bound to say out loud and clear: violence is never acceptable, independently of who is the victim.

Even in recent weeks we have witnessed intolerance raising its ugly head again, when those who expressed their opinions publicly in the current debate over abortion were the target of anonymous letters and even vandalism, the party said.

“When are we going to accept that we can have a clash of ideas without being insulting or offensive – when one focuses on the argument and not on who is saying it?”, asked Cacopardo.

“Misinformation that is deliberately broadcast fans intolerance and foments division. When one creates fake news or spreads information knowing that it is not factual, one is contributing to weakening the concept of a healthy debate based on facts and researched studies”, the party said in its statement.

This is especially evident on social media, where many a time personal attacks are carried out with the anonymity offered by the keyboard. Coupled with the liberty to express one’s opinion, there is the duty to speak in a measured manner without insulting or offending. Everyone should understand that one can criticise constructively without insulting anybody. To this end one notes with satisfaction that our Law Courts are finding guilty those who are using social media to attack individuals in an intolerant manner.

Differing opinions presented in a civil manner strengthen the political debate and the democratic process in our country. Exaggerated rhetoric that appeals to one’s emotions should be avoided. This does not enable political debate one iota: it simply fans the flames of intolerance that have led to the cases like the one we are commemorating today.

Karin Grech’s commemoration should lead all those in public life to seriously reflect on the need to drastically reduce – and preferably eliminate – intolerance in our country. The gracious speeches and reciprocated greetings should not only be reserved for the festive season but all year long, concluded Cacopardo.