Reporter testifies in Sant libel case

A reporter yesterday told a court how a group of some 20 Labour supporters greeted Labour Leader Alfred Sant at the gate of the Ta' Qali counting hall during the referendum and surrounded him, not allowing journalists to approach him to ask for a comment.

Dione Borg explained that on March 8, 2003, he was reporting the referendum for Net News and In-Nazzjon when he saw a group of Labour supporters, some of whom were wearing distinguishable black jackets, surround Dr Sant and accompany him into the counting hall.

Borg took the witness stand before Magistrate Michael Mallia in libel proceedings against The Times editor Raymond Bugeja over the publication of a letter entitled "Uphold democracy" that was published on April 1, 2003.

He explained that the atmosphere in the counting hall was calm throughout but turned tense soon after the supporters surrounded Dr Sant on arrival. Borg added that the men were authorised to be there.

Once inside the counting hall the situation got worse as the crowd of people moved along the narrow corridors. The atmosphere tensed up further when Dr Sant announced that the partnership option had won the referendum.

Borg added that although there was pushing and shouting inside the hall he did not see any fights.

The case continues.