Strong police, army presence deplored

The Committee Against the Proposed Recycling Plant in Marsascala has protested against the presence of police, mounted police and soldiers during a highly charged public meeting held last Monday.

Committee secretary Joe Sant complained that "it was not enough" for WasteServ and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to have the police but the presence of the army had also been requested.

Mr Sant alleged that the police inspector in charge ordered the soldiers away from the entrance and the hall where the meeting was being held when he saw the people's reaction.

"The committee deplores the provocative behaviour of the two entities," Mr Sant said.

He said the committee felt sorry for the people, especially the elderly, who were scared and left because of the strong police presence.