Coalition for the El Hiblu Three

The case of the ElHiblu3 has garnered significant attention worldwide, shining a light on the criminalisation of migrants and refugees by the Maltese authorities. Amara, Abdalla, and Kader, three young men who arrived in Malta in 2019, have been unjustly criminalized and face the prospect of life in prison for their peaceful actions during a difficult incident at sea.

The El Hiblu 3, as they have become known, were passengers on a merchant vessel, the El Hiblu, which had rescued them and other people from a sinking boat in the Mediterranean. When the ship attempted to return the migrants to Libya, a country widely recognized as unsafe for refugees, the ElHiblu3 helped prevent their forced return by acting as translators and mediators between scared passengers and scared crew members. This act, which diffused a tense situation, has been construed by the Maltese authorities as a criminal offense, with the three young men facing charges of terrorism, hijacking, and other serious allegations.

The Coalition for the ElHiblu3, a network of individuals and groups in Malta and beyond, has rallied in support of Abdalla, Amara, and Kader, working alongside them to advocate for their right to justice and freedom. The Coalition celebrates the El Hiblu 3 as human rights defenders who saved people from an illegal pushback to Libya and thus from certain violence.

The case of the ElHiblu3 has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for the rights of migrants and refugees. Through this case, the world has witnessed how those who seek safety and a better life are met with criminalisation and the threat of severe punishment. The Coalition for the ElHiblu3 is committed to ensuring that the voices of Abdalla, Amara, and Kader are heard, and that their fundamental human rights are protected.

As the case of the El Hiblu 3 continues to unfold, it is crucial that the Maltese and international community stands in solidarity with these young men and demands accountability from the Maltese authorities. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees worldwide.