A witness in a libel case filed by the Malta Labour Party leader Alfred Sant against The Times editor Ray Bugeja yesterday recalled how the group of men who surrounded Dr Sant when he arrived at the counting calling following the European Union referendum “bulldozed their way through” the group of journalists waiting for Dr Sant’s comments on the result.
Net TV journalist Karl Stagno-Navarra testified that on the day in question, he was at the main gate of the counting hall in Ta’ Qali waiting for the then Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami.
However, instead Dr Sant turned up in his Mazda, accompanied by the then-MLP secretary general Jimmy Magro and the then-deputy leader Joe Brincat. He explained that there was “an organised group of people wearing black” who surrounded Dr Sant, Dr Brincat and Mr Magro as soon as they entered the counting hall perimeter.
The group of around 40 journalists and television cameramen and other staff approached Dr Sant in an attempt to get some comments. But as soon as they did that and tried to get microphones and recorders as close as possible to Dr Sant, fists began to fly and the journalists “were beaten up”. He said small scuffles broke out and his camera cable, six centimetres thick, was snapped in half with all the commotion there was.
Mr Stagno-Navarra said the group of men wearing black, who “swarmed” round Dr Sant, “bulldozed their way through” the group of journalists waiting for Dr Sant’s comments. When asked, he said there were not enough policemen on site to control the situation although some time later police commissioner John Rizzo and other top police officials intervened to save the day.
He said the situation got worse when the counting agents and other party officials of both parties also joined the already large group of people.
Dr Sant addressed the group of people, took one question only from a Super One journalist and proceeded in the same style – still surrounded by the men in black – to the counting hall.
Mr Stagno Navarra said he could not continue relating what happened inside because he remained outside.
The case continues.
Dr Stefan Frendo appeared for The Times while Dr Pawlu Lia appeared for Dr Sant. Magistrate Michael Mallia presided over the court.