Equality Minister Rosianne Cutajar has filed a police report over a disturbing racist comment on social media that appeared to celebrate the murder of Lassana Cisse.The comment was posted beneath a Times of Malta video explaining the circumstances surrounding the 2019 killing of Cisse, a 42-year-old father from the Ivory Coast who was shot dead while walking in Birżebbuġa.According to Times of Malta, the social media user praised the two former soldiers accused in connection with the murder, describing their alleged actions as an attempt to defend Malta.The individual also expressed disappointment that two other Black men who were shot during the same incident had survived.In the comment, the man reportedly encouraged further violence against Black people, using racist language and claiming that immigration had taken Malta away from the Maltese.Times of Malta has since removed the comment.Cutajar took to Facebook today to confirm that she had reported the remarks to the police, condemning what she described as a shocking expression of racial hatred.“I have just reported a shocking comment of racial hatred posted by an individual on social media in connection with the murder of Lassana Cisse,” she wrote.“Racism, hatred and violence have no place in our society.”The minister said it was both worrying and shameful to see people using social media to justify or even glorify violence against others because of their skin colour or background.“Everyone has the right to safety, dignity and respect, regardless of their nationality, race or skin colour,” she stressed.Cutajar also acknowledged that immigration and the challenges associated with it are legitimate subjects for public discussion, but insisted that such debates must never become an excuse for hatred.“We can discuss immigration and the challenges it brings, but we can never accept hatred and violence,” she said.“Anyone who thinks that violence and racism are somehow patriotism and a defence of our country is wrong.”The incident comes as the trial of former soldier Lorin Scicluna gets underway over Cisse’s murder.Prosecutors allege that Scicluna and another former soldier deliberately targeted Black people on the night of 6th April 2019, resulting in Cisse’s death and injuries to two other men.Scicluna has pleaded not guilty, while Francesco Fenech, who is also accused in connection with the killing, faces separate proceedings.Under Maltese law, inciting hatred or violence, including through social media, can constitute a criminal offence.The police report comes amid renewed public attention surrounding the murder trial, more than seven years after Cisse was killed.•