Voices rose in Valletta for the El Hiblu 3

Saturday, 28 March marked seven years since Amara Krumak, Abdalla Bari, and Kone Tiemoko Abdul Kader, known as the El Hiblu 3, were detained in Malta in 2019 for refusing to be forcibly returned to Libya. In response to their act of resistance, the Maltese authorities charged them with “acts of terrorism” and other offences. To mark this seventh anniversary, a protest was held in Valletta on Saturday, 28 March 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm, symbolically lasting seven hours to reflect the seven years of continuous legal persecution of these three human rights defenders.

Speeches during the protest in Valletta, on Saturday 28 March 2026. Photo : African Media (All Rights Reserved)

The demonstration was organised by a coalition of activists, who coordinated the vigil and its activities throughout the day. The seven-hour event featured speeches, a drum circle, readings, and musical performances, with each hour representing one year of the ongoing legal battle.

The atmosphere was both lively and reflective, allowing participants to learn about the case, remember the three young men, and show solidarity. Among the speakers were Regine Nguini of the African Media Association Malta, Vicki-Ann Cremona, president of the rule-of-law organisation Repubblika, Cetta Mainwaring from The Migration Archives, and Katrine Camilleri of Jesuit Refugee Service Malta, who all highlighted the human impact of the prolonged legal proceedings, condemned the criminalisation of the El Hiblu 3, and called for greater protection of migrants’ rights.