The Institute of Maltese Journalists on Friday condemned an incident last Monday whereby a journalist was blocked and aggressively shoved to the side by Nationalist Party entourage and a protest-goer while trying to take comments from the party's leader and MPs.

This is the second such incident raised to the IĠM's attention over the past weeks, the institute said. At no point has the Nationalist Party condemned these incidents in public.

The IĠM urges political parties to take responsibility for the actions of the people that gravitate around their officials and representatives and call out any wrongdoing. These incidents should not be tolerated. Political parties should ensure journalists are able to perform their duties without harassment.

The IĠM understands that a police report has been filed on the incident involving the protest-goer.

In this regard, the IĠM also urges police to act on the report. The IĠM expressed solidarity with the ONE journalist affected and all journalists who face bullying tactics while on the job.

PN talks about freedom of expression and then bullies journalists at its political events

The Labour Party, in reaction, said the PN has been condemned by the Institute of Maltese Journalists following the second incident in a few days when ONE News journalists were bodychecked, bullied, and manhandled at PN outdoor events by its officials.

The IGM noted that the Nationalist Party did not issue an apology following the two incidents.

Bernard Grech's PN talks about freedom of expression and rule of law, but at its events, it bullies and manhandles journalists who 'dared' ask questions to Bernard Grech and his MP Toni Bezzina.

It's really the case of follow-my-words-but-not my actions, the PL said.

The Labour Party expressed its solidarity with the ONE News journalists Nolan Camilleri and Francesco Borg.