A few days before yet another court hearing on 6th of November in Valletta, the Coalition for the El Hiblu 3 – a coalition of groups and individuals in Malta and beyond who demand dropping charges against Abdalla, Amara, and Kader – launched a new website. The information and materials include a chronology, an archive concerning the case of the El Hiblu 3, as well as a day counter, highlighting the limbo of criminalisation, in which the three friends are stuck for a long time.
Human Rights Defender Award in Valetta, Credit: Coalition for El Hiblu 3
A “Must-See” Video of Human Rights Defenders
The website has a touching 10 minute long video (as well as a 2 minute short version) of the award ceremony that took place on April 13, 2024, a few weeks after the fifth anniversary of this scandalous case of criminalisation. Abdalla, Amara, and Kader were presented with the Human Rights Defenders Award at the University of Malta. Seven speakers from Maltese and international human rights organizations celebrated the bravery and solidarity of the three young men, before Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the former President of Malta, on behalf of the Coalition for the El Hiblu 3, presented the El Hiblu 3 with the award. After several laudations, Amara thanked everyone, concluding: “I accept this award not only on my behalf but also on behalf of all those who continue to fight for human rights around the world courageously. Let us seize this moment as a reminder of the power of collective action and the possibility of a brighter future for generations to come.”
Next Hearing on 22 January 2025
In the meanwhile, the farcical trial against Abdalla, Amara, and Kader continues. The day counter will show 2126 days of stolen time, when they are back in court on the 22nd of January 2025. At this important court session, the three magistrates will rule on the question of jurisdiction that was heard at the last hearing with strong submissions by the defending lawyers. The session will start at 9:00 a.m. in the Valletta court building and everyone is invited to join and to show solidarity with Abdalla, Amara and Kader – until these three young men are free.
Coalition for the El Hiblu 3
eh3coalition@gmail.com
X: @FreeTheEH3
