The June 1919 riots

Abstract

The event in study remarked the first call for Maltese self determination, with civilians holding the National flag as symbol of their unity while protesting in support of the National Assembly. The Police was not in a position to reinforce order, demoralized, divided in different squadrons of stand-by (un-cohesive group) and unarmed not even a truncheon. These neglects escalated the tension when hundreds of military units were ordered to move in. The crowd transformed into a mob, however this study focused on the idea that these Riots are neither entirely political nor a criminal event. As stated by Frendo (1972: 162) at the time there was also the reasoning that looting was not as bad since these acts were as if justified in profiting from a little, when the Maltese in general had been deprived of so much. The methodology used in this study is the archival method selected as research tool. The research aimed at evaluating the various reasons which may have led up to the riots and how these had been tackled by the police. The scenario of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was not given due importance by different researchers when such disorders had a direct link with the death of one of the victims namely Francesco Darmanin as stated Sant (2009: 49) but could have easily effected also the military deployed during the riots. Thus the event in question is still intrigue and needs to be further investigated. As in the case of modem history (since the arrival of the British) our National history has to be written away from any prejudice.