Columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia was treated to shouted political slogans and personal insults when she sought refuge in a Rabat convent after being allegedly harassed by Zurrieq mayor Natius Farrugia and others, three witnesses recounted in court.

Mr Farrugia, Maria Vassallo and her daughter Kimberly Vassallo, who are Rabat residents, are pleading not guilty to harassing Ms Caruana Galizia on the feast of St Joseph on 19 March. Francesca Bianchi and married couple Joseph and Marion Pace Axiaq took the witness stand as the compilation of evidence today, and their testimony largely followed similar lines.

They recounted that the atmosphere quickly degenerated as a growing crowd focused its efforts on attacking Ms Caruana Galizia, and pointed out that the situation could have become even worse.

When the columnist sought refuge in the Franciscan convent in Rabat, members of the crowd asked the priests to get her out of there. A woman who was not arraigned was leading these cries, the witnesses said, but all recognised the Vassallos, who were present in court.

As they stood inside, the group were treated to chants of “Taghna lkoll” – Labour’s electoral slogan – “issa l-power f’idejna” and a selection of insults directed towards Ms Caruana Galizia. They said that they could not identify said what, particularly since the priests decided to close the convent’s doors to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

They did point out that Mr Farrugia did not participate in the shouting and chanting, but said that he visibly approved of what was going on, as he continued smiling and following Ms Caruana Galizia.

Mr Pace Axiaq said that the mayor was literally clowning around, gesticulating behind her, while the Vassallos called her an evil woman.

He described the situation as absurd, and said that Mr Farrugia was provoking the crowd at a sensitive time, just days after the general election. He did not expect such an atmosphere during a feast, and in a free country, he said.

As the three concluded their testimony, Mr Farrugia’s lawyer Marion Camilleri informed the court that the mayor would avail himself of his right not to testify. The Vassallos were willing to testify, but Magistrate Francesco Depasquale noted that since their lawyer Chris Cilia was absent, it was best to postpone their testimony for another daye.

The case continues on 26 June. Lawyer Joseph Zammit Maempel is appearing for Ms Caruana Galizia.