Mr Rizzo was testifying during the case filed by Dr Sant against

editor of The Times Ray Bugeja over an article the newspaper published in connection with the incidents in March 2003, when the Labour leader visited the counting hall.

At the time, the preliminary results showed that the pro-European Union camp had won the referendum but Dr Sant was claiming that the partnership option being proposed by the Labour Party had received more votes than the pro-EU camp. As a result of this stand, both

pro-EU and anti-EU supporters took to the streets to celebrate their

victory.

Mr Rizzo said he was actually inside the counting hall when Dr Sant arrived and so did not see him as he was entering. He said he saw Dr Sant walking through the corridors accompanied by a number of Labour supporters and journalists, all trying to get a comment from him.

The commissioner explained that at one point, one cameraman must have hit someone with his camera and a fight ensued – at a time when the atmosphere in the counting hall was extremely tense.

He said that the police had instructed cameramen to work with wireless cameras and microphones so that they did not cause an obstruction.

The case will continue on 22 April 2005.

Dr Stefan Frendo appeared for the newspaper.