Defence evidence in Sant libel case

The magistrate presiding over the libel case filed by Labour Party leader Alfred Sant against The Times editor, yesterday started hearing evidence by the defence.

Dr Austin Bencini took the witness stand before Magistrate Michael Mallia in the libel proceedings filed by Dr Sant against The Times editor, Raymond Bugeja, over the publication of a letter entitled "Uphold democracy" on April 1.

Dr Bencini said that on the day after the referendum, that is the day when the votes were counted, he went to the counting hall as an authorised observer at about 10 a.m. Although there was a feeling of tension he was surprised by the calm, business-like atmosphere and noted that there were many journalists, both foreign and local.

At about 11 a.m. the news that the yes vote had prevailed started to spread and some time later the Nationalist Party started to broadcast the news but the atmosphere remained calm.

Later that morning a crowd entered the counting hall and, Dr Bencini said, when he asked around he was told that Dr Sant had arrived but he did not see him at that point. The crowd created an increase in the tension, he said.

There was shouting and a commotion and Dr Bencini went on to explain how the crowd moved in his direction. That was when he saw Dr Sant who was surrounded by four or five men who were making way to allow him to pass and who protected him.

Dr Bencini said that some time later he heard Dr Sant address the press and declare that the no vote had won the referendum.

When Dr Sant left, the atmosphere returned to normal.

Under cross-examination, Dr Bencini said that Dr Sant was surrounded by journalists and police officers but mostly by people in plain clothing. He said he could not see whether they wore authorisation tags and did not know whether they had passed through the security checks.

The case continues.

Dr Paul Lia is appearing for Dr Sant.

Mr Bugeja is assisted by Dr Stefan Frendo.