Malta’s Indifference: The Silent Walk By

It was a warm Tuesday evening in July, and the sun was still high in the sky as it painted the streets of Valletta in hues of gold and orange. Tourists meandered through the narrow streets, cameras in hand, capturing the beauty of Malta’s capital. But on Republic Street, something was amiss. A man lay on the pavement, blood seeping from a wound on his head, his eyes fluttering open and closed. Passersby saw him, but they walked on.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. In recent months, Malta has seen a spate of bystander apathy, where people witness distressing situations but choose to ignore them. It’s a phenomenon that’s left many Maltese baffled and appalled. Why are we, a people known for our warmth and hospitality, turning a blind eye to those in need?

Psychologists have a term for this: bystander apathy. It’s a phenomenon where individuals do not offer help to a victim when other people are present. The more people there are, the less likely it is that any one person will help. It’s a chilling effect, and it’s happening right here in Malta.

In 2021, a video surfaced of a man being beaten on the streets of Birkirkara. Passersby walked by, some even filming the incident on their phones, but no one intervened. The victim was left with serious injuries. This incident, and others like it, have sparked a national conversation about our collective indifference.

So, why are Maltese people turning a blind eye? Some psychologists suggest it’s due to a phenomenon called ‘diffusion of responsibility’. When we’re in a crowd, we feel less responsible to act. Others argue that it’s a sign of our increasingly individualistic society, where we’re more concerned with our own affairs than those around us.

But some locals have a different perspective. “It’s fear,” says Maria, a Valletta resident who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re scared of getting involved. What if it’s a set-up? What if we’re next? It’s a sad state of affairs, but it’s the reality.”

Not everyone is content to stand by and do nothing. Initiatives like ‘I Will If You Will’ encourage bystanders to intervene in emergencies. The campaign, launched by the Maltese Red Cross, provides training in first aid and encourages people to act when they see someone in need.

“We need to break this culture of silence,” says Dr. Gordon Pace, Director of the Maltese Red Cross. “It’s about empowering people to act. It’s about reminding them that they have the power to save a life.”

It’s a message that’s resonating with many Maltese. “I’ve seen too many incidents where people just walk by,” says Alex, a 28-year-old from Msida. “I’ve decided I won’t be one of them. I’ll intervene if I can, safely.”

So, what will it take to break the silence? To turn bystanders into heroes? It starts with each one of us. It starts with a choice to act, to intervene, to save a life. Because at the end of the day, that’s what being Maltese is about. It’s about community. It’s about care. It’s about looking out for each other.

Let’s not let another person bleed on our streets while we walk on by.