Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party has said that the decision to have Police vetting lyrics of rock bands participating in the Nadur Carnival is oppressive, and should immediately be done away with.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “It is unbelievable that in a 21st century European society, police are asking rock bands to hand in their lyrics before performing. This practice was and is the norm in dictatorships and fundamentalist regimes. Is Malta becoming a confessional society?”

Miriam Cassar, AD spokesperson for Culture added, “The police decision is not only a breach of individual rights but a tyrannical practice which can be used arbitrarily to repress artists whose opinions do not conform to the views of dominant institutions. What Malta really needs is not the bullying of rock bands and other artists, but legislation against hate crimes such as racism and xenophobia, irrespective of the religious, political or cultural belief in question. This is essential in a society based on pluralism and respect of diversity.”