VALLETTA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Malta Police Force held a solidarity march on Saturday after a traffic policeman was seriously injured by a car run over.
Simon Schembri was nearly killed on Tuesday when he was intentionally run over by a 17-year-old driver, suffering a collapsed lung and fractures to his pelvis and ribs. Schembri's right arm had to be amputated below the elbow as a result of the injuries sustained.
The youth who ran Schembri over was charged with attempted murder and 22 other charges, including breaching traffic regulations, driving a car without a plate and recidivism. He was denied bail.
The case has sent shockwaves through the nation, which shows great support for the police force.
Hundreds of people, including representatives of organizations, joined police officers for the solidarity march on Saturday morning.
Malta's President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, along with cabinet ministers, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia, Commissioner of Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar and MPs, were among those attending the march. All political parties are supporting the march.
Police Officers Union President Sandro Camilleri said that the incident was an escalation of the risks faced by officers.
"I have to admit that in my 30-year experience working in the police force, due to various factors, the respect towards officers has diminished but this is another day on the job for us," Cutajar said.
He insisted that the corps' primary concern is the welfare of its officers and their family.
