‘Don’t take away our freedom’
A group of protesters took to the streets of Valletta on Sunday afternoon to oppose COVID-19 measures, demanding freedom of choice and rights.
Raymondo Ambrogio, one of the coordinators, said that although he is in favor of launching vaccinations, everyone should be free to make their own choices.
“I am in favor of the vaccine, I have the booster and I follow the regulations, so much so that I cannot attend the protest myself because I am currently in quarantine,” he said. Times of Malta.
“But I believe that everyone should make their own choices, and not be punished for doing so,” he said, referring to new enforcement measures that are due to take effect on January 17.
“Most of us are worried and disgusted,” said Ambrogio.
From 17 January, bars, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, spas, casinos, arcades, cinemas, theaters and sporting events will only be accessible to people with valid vaccine certificates.
From the same day, the vaccination certificates will be valid for three months for those who have taken the second dose and for another nine months after the third jab. For those under 18, the vaccine certificate remains valid for one year.
People who do not take their booster will not have a valid certificate after the second dose.
This means that anyone who has never had a vaccine or booster against COVID-19 will not be allowed to work out at the gym or drink coffee from their favorite coffee.
Similar measures are also in place in other EU countries, including Italy and France.
‘No to passport vax’
Walking down Republic Street, the 200 protesters sang “no vaccine passports”.freedom“and” let’s breathe. “
Others carried banners that said “freedom to work” and “no to forced experimental vaccinations.” A child carries a banner that reads “Forced vaccine today – what’s next for my future?”
Some even wore the Star of David written “unvaccinated” on it.
One protester, Edwin Gatt, said that the authorities must end this form of “dictatorship” and “power”.
“Only God has authority over our lives. Today we need to wear a mask with the law, the vaccine will soon be mandatory to live, work or do something,” he said.
Vaccination certificates are not yet mandatory in the workplace in Malta, but the Malta Chamber is demanding that employers be given the right to request them.
Gatt said he blamed the government and health authorities for those who had become depressed and locked inside.
“Together, our voice is stronger and our message will be clearer. We need to show love for each other and stop this form of enforcement.”
‘Do not take away our rights’
One spokesman said the government could not forget the fundamental rights of citizens.
“We first said we were going to close businesses and stay home for safety – two years later we were forced to wear a mask, do a test, and get vaccinated. This needs to stop, we need to have the right to say no.”
He said that if parents do not want to vaccinate their children, they should have the right to say no.
Currently, children do not need to be vaccinated to go to school.
“Stop insulting us, and respect our rights. I respect those who want to wear a mask and get vaccinated, but please, respect my rights not to do so,” he said.
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