President-emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has hit out against hate speech on social media following the riot at the Hal Far Open Centre.

The riot, that occurred between Sunday evening and Monday morning, saw around 300 involved. A number of arrests were made, and a few have already been arraigned before the courts.

In the aftermath however, certain members of the public engaged in hate speech over social media.

The former President, in a Facebook post, said "In a full and effective democracy, the right to freedom of expression is sacred. However, fomenting hatred is an abuse of this right and a transgression of the human rights of others."

"Ethical use of social media has become more important in an ever-changing world. I, therefore, urge those who use social media to be respectful in the way they communicate their diverse views. When used as a weapon, social media gives rise to hate speech and I firmly believe that as a nation we should be do everything possible to stamp this out."