Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to take further action against a Labour TV presenter who singled out a journalist who was covering a protest by NGO Repubblika on Wednesday.

One TV presenter Karl Stagno Navarra singled out Lovin Malta editor Tim Diacono during his show Pjazza. He said the journalist’s presence at the event, being held in front of the police HQ in Floriana, showed the “collusion” that exists between the activists, the PN, the Church and the media.

The footage aired during the programme also showed two PN MPs and a priest.

Stagno Navarra has since apologised.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister condemned the attack on the journalist. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, who was a guest on the show but said nothing at the time, has also now condemned the incident.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists said the presenter’s behaviour should not be repeated.

In comments to the media at the site of the protest, Grech said people should not be victimised for having a different politicial view. 

"If we accept this, Daphne Caruana Galizia would have died for nothing", the Opposition leader continued.

While noting that the PM had condemned Stagno Navarra’s actions, he pointed out that the presenter would still be hosting Thursday evening’s show. He urged the PM to take further action.  

Grech also said that the police should take action against Konrad Mizzi. The protest is being held after the former minister once again failed to show up for a hearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.

Repubblika will hold a protest in front of the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday evening.