The La Stella Philharmonic Society is not surprised that once again the Il Leone Band Club is trying to make use of the media to publish false and misleading statements which sow division and hatred in Victoria as it did in the statement published by The Malta Independent on Monday, 20 August.

This is more or less a repeat of the situation pertaining to 16 August 2006 when Dr Michael Caruana on Radju Katidral broadcast statements for which eventually he was condemned by the Malta Broadcasting Authority “for spreading hatred” in the community of Victoria and for which Radju Katidral was made to broadcast a public apology on 30 January 2007.

The La Stella Philharm-onic Society categorically denies that there has ever been an understanding with the police that the La Stella Philharmonic Society did not keep. On the contrary, the La Stella Philharmonic Society has collaborated with the police and, as always, has helped them in the perform-ance of their duties. In fact, the highest police authorities have praised the representatives of the La Stella Philharmonic Society for their cooperation.

The La Stella Philharmonic Society also categorically rejects the claim repeatedly made by the Leone Band Club that there exists any court judgement concerning the closure of the doors of the La Stella Band Club, and the society holds Dr Caruana and Mr Apap responsible for any damages according to law resulting from their false statements.

The Leone Band Club statement also falsely alleges that St George’s basilica refused any police orders, legitimate or illegitimate.

The La Stella Philharm-onic Society reserves the right to take all the necessary action that it deems appropriate, including libel proceedings against Dr Michael Caruana and Mr Joseph Apap, in view of the blatant lies and defamatory language used by them in their statement.

Dr Joseph Grech

President

George Cremona

Assistant Secretary