Arson attacks 'must be nipped in the bud'

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo said the spate of arson attacks apparently aimed at terrorising critics of the extreme right wing have continued with an arson attack on the home of a newspaper editor, Saviour Balzan.

Dr Vassallo said silence and prudence will give victory to those who seem to be inebriated by their ability to strike with impunity so far. But they must be left under no illusion that the whole country wants them caught and punished.

This criminal practice must be nipped in the bud, Dr Vassallo insisted.

The Naxxar Nationalist Party sectional committee has also condemned the arson attack on Mr Balzan's door, saying it considered the attack as a vile threat to freedom of expression. It urged the police to intensify their investigations to bring the culprits to book.

It appears that petrol was thrown at Mr Balzan's door and set alight early on Wednesday morning. Mr Balzan's residence is practically opposite the Naxxar police station.

Police sources said investigations into the case were continuing.