22 migrants who took part in a protest at the Safi detention centre on 6 January have been jailed for nine months and fined €800 each.

They had been arraigned on 8 January and were charged with having insulted and threatened public officials, violently resisting arrest and slightly injuring five detention officers. They were also accused of taking part in a rioting mob and failing to disperse when ordered to, conspiracy to commit a crime, voluntary damage, disturbing the peace, disobeying lawful orders, threatening public officers and throwing stones at private property.

They were found guilty of the offences on Monday by Magistrate Marsanne Farrigua.

The prosecution was led by Inspector M. Camilleri.