‘I’ll put you in a wheelchair’: man threatens wife over burnt food
Local Woman’s Chilling Threat: “I’ll Put You in a Wheelchair”
Imagine this: a quiet evening in a typical Maltese townhouse, the aroma of dinner wafting through the air. Suddenly, the peaceful scene is shattered by a chilling threat. “I’ll put you in a wheelchair,” a man snarls at his wife, enraged over a simple mistake – burnt food.
From Kitchen to Courtroom
This wasn’t just an empty threat. The man, a 55-year-old resident of Birkirkara, followed through. He allegedly pushed his 52-year-old wife down the stairs, leaving her with serious injuries. The woman was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where she underwent surgery. Her husband was later arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
This isn’t the first time such an incident has made headlines in Malta. According to the Women’s Rights Foundation, there’s been a rise in domestic violence cases since the pandemic began. But this case, with its chilling threat and brutal execution, has left many Maltese reeling.
Community Reacts: “Not in Our Backyards”
News of the incident spread like wildfire through Birkirkara, a bustling town known for its vibrant markets and historic churches. Neighbors are shocked. “We never imagined something like this could happen here,” says Maria, a local shopkeeper. “It’s a wake-up call. We need to look out for each other more.”
Local NGOs are also speaking out. “This is not just about one couple,” says a spokesperson for Dar tal-Providenza, a home for people with disabilities. “It’s about the message we send as a society. Violence is never the answer.”
Malta’s Minister for Social Accommodation, Dr. Roderick Galdes, has also weighed in. “We cannot, and will not, tolerate violence in our communities. We’re working on initiatives to combat domestic violence, but we need everyone’s help.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Contact the Women’s Rights Foundation on 21230251 or Dar tal-Providenza on 21490800.
