The murder of Raymond Caruana in 1986 changed the course of Maltese history, a new book, Libertà mhedda, Ksur ta` drittijiet fundamentali tal-bniedem fi stat polizjesk 1980-1987 (Freedom under threat, breach of fundamental human rights in a police state 1980-1987) by journalist Dione Borg, concludes.

Raymond Caruana, a Nationalist Party supporter, was killed by a shot fired from a sub-machine gun from a passing car. Unknown persons had sprayed with bullets the newly-opened PN club in Gudja while Mr Caruana was having a drink with some friends inside.

The 400-page book, published by PIN Publications, was launched yesterday evening.

The book deals with the turbulent times between 1980 and 1987 and tackles issues like the murder of Nardu Debono, the incidents at the Zebbug PN club in 1981, the violence in Tal-Barrani road ( when the Nationalist Party had wanted to hold a mass meeting in Zejtun but could not because a mob of Labour supporters had blocked the entrances and confronted the Nationalists at Tal-Barrani), Mr Caruana`s murder and the subsequent frame-up of Pietru Paul Busuttil and other incidents.

The book reveals what went on in the Labour government`s cabinet following Mr Caruana`s killing in December 1986.

According to the book, former Labour Prime Minister Dom Mintoff had told his newly-formed cabinet in 1981 not to become too attached to their ministerial seats as he intended calling another election within six months.

In the 1981 election, the PN had obtained the majority of votes but failed to get a majority of seats.

The book carries a series of interviews with people who were in the thick of things at the time.