US diplomat embraces Black Lives Matter protests for Floyd and Cisse

The United States chargé d’affaires to Malta has welcomed the BlackLivesMatter protests in both America and Malta, as “a clear message society must continue to advance and promote the values of fairness and equal treatment”.

In a statement tweeted by Ambassador Mark Schapiro, he described the deaths of George Floyd in the US, and Lassana Cisse Souleymane in Malta in 2019 as “grave tragedies that should never happen.”

“They have filled Americans and Maltese with horror, anger and grief and exposed the challenges our societies face to become more just and equal.”

Schapiro still upheld a generous view of American rule of law. “In the United States, when police act in a manner inconsistent with the laws they are sworn to uphold, the process is laid bare for the world to see – the good, the bad, and the ugly. The press covers the events and the criminal justice system investigates, brings charges and goes to court to seek justice on behalf of the victims. In autocracies, these injustices remain invisible, and police are accountable only to the ruling party.”

Freedom of speech and assembly are cornerstones of open societies and healthy democracies, “like the United States and Malta,” he said.

“The willingness to recognise where we have fallen short sets liberal democracy in America apart,” said the chargé d’affaires.

He added that he gave his full support to the rights of those who peacefully expressed their views. “Ultimately, public debate, open dialogue, and the political participation of every generation will help us achieve true peace in society, as well as security, equal opportunities and dignity for all.”