A rainbow flag hanging outside a Sliema coffee shop was found “torn down and ripped” on Thursday morning, with owners saying it is the third such incident they have had to contend with. 

In a Facebook post, the Kaktus Café owners said the vandalism was "not just against a piece of fabric; it is a direct act of hatred targeting a community, an identity, and the fundamental right to exist." 

“The rainbow flag represents equality, love, coexistence, and inclusion. An attack on this flag is not just an attack on a symbol, it’s an attack on the lives, stories, and rights that this symbol stands for.”

The owners said they wish to see Malta to be a country where queer people feel safe, accepted, and valued.

“But this morning, once again, we saw that some people still view our existence as a threat and feel entitled to respond to that threat with violence,” the post read.

“We do not accept this. We will not stay silent.”

The owners said the public should stop trying to silence and suppress people who are different, but should find ways to live side by side, with equal rights.

 “We, the Kaktus Family, are proud to be part of the queer community. In our space, we welcome people of all ages and identities with love and respect.”

‘An attack on Malta’s LGBTIQ+ community’

Former MEP Cyrus Engerer said the act of vandalism was an “attack on Malta’s LGBTIQ+ community” and on the progress the country has made on equality.

“To Derya, who chose to fly that flag outside their café: thank you. Your courage matters. And to whoever ripped it down: you will not win. We’ve seen darker days, and we’ve come out louder, prouder and stronger every single time.”

Sliema mayor John Pillow also described the attack on the café’s flag as “heartbreaking and infuriating”.

“Hate has no place in Sliema- or anywhere in Malta. We must stand together against ignorance and violence, and defend a society where everyone feels safe to be who they are.”

Acts of vandalism against the rainbow flag - a known symbol for LGBTIQ pride - are not new.

Back in 2019, a rainbow flag was raised by the Balzan local council as part of Pride Week was burnt. 

The incident was immediately reported to the police. 

That same year, a popular LGBTIQ rights activist faced backlash after uploading a photo with a Maltese national flag sporting rainbow colours, instead of its red half.