Court hears of interview that turned into an argument

A magistrate yesterday heard how an argument broke out between the Nationalist Party's secretary general and a Super One journalist at the PN San Gwann club three months ago.

Magistrate Michael Mallia heard journalist Charlon Gouder and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi testify in the libel proceeding initiated by Mr Gouder against In-Nazzjon.

Mr Gouder sued the newspaper's editor John Zammit over an article entitled Reporter tas- Super One jipprova jaggredixxi lis-segretarju Generali tal-PN (Super One reporter tries to assault the PN's secretary general) published on February 21.

Mr Gouder testified that on February 20 he was assigned to cover a PN event after which he asked party official Berta Sullivan if he could put questions to the Prime Minister.

Ms Sullivan told him he would have to wait a while and he did.

About half an hour later, Ms Sullivan called him to speak to Dr Gonzi. PN secretary general Joe Saliba, assistant secretary general Angelito Sciberras and Ms Sullivan were present as the Prime Minister was being interviewed.

Mr Gouder said he started by asking about the expected results for the then upcoming local council elections. He then asked questions about the alleged breach of ethics by Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela and showed Dr Gonzi documents which, he claimed, indicated that Dr Abela was still working as a notary.

At that point, Mr Saliba tried to stop the interview and asked the cameraman accompanying Mr Gouder to switch off the equipment. Mr Saliba later pushed the cameraman in an attempt to switch off the machine and Ms Sullivan blocked the lens, Mr Gouder said. When Mr Gouder asked Mr Saliba why he was acting that way Mr Saliba told him not to continue being rude.

Ms Sullivan took the microphone from his hand and Mr Saliba took the camera away from the cameraman. Mr Gouder took it back from Mr Saliba and as he walked out with it, Mr Saliba tried to take it again and pushed him onto a sofa, the witness said.

Mr Gouder then walked out of the club and asked Ms Sullivan if Mr Saliba had lost his mind. She said she did not know what had just happened.

Dr Gonzi testified that once the discussion was over, members of the media were shown out of the premises and club members stayed on for a reception. The media's invitation did not include attendance at the reception.

During the reception, Ms Sullivan informed him that a Super One journalist wanted to ask him a question and some time later she escorted Mr Gouder and a cameraman into the reception hall.

When the Super One crew walked into the room the camera was already switched on.

Dr Gonzi said the problem started when Mr Gouder began firing one question after another and, what was to be one question, was turning into a full scale interview.

Dr Gonzi added that if Mr Gouder wanted an interview he would have no problem scheduling one but that was not the appropriate time. When he asked Mr Gouder to stop with the questions the journalist insisted and even shoved the microphone into Dr Gonzi's face.

The Prime Minister explained that as he told Mr Gouder to cease with his interview, Mr Saliba, Mr Sciberras and Ms Sullivan also intervened and asked him to stop. Suddenly an argument broke out between Mr Saliba and Mr Gouder. The journalist insisted on asking his questions and Mr Saliba reminded him that he was a guest at a party activity.

Dr Gonzi said he did not see anyone snatch the microphone or the camera and neither did he recall people hurling insults at each other. He did, however, remember hearing the word "rude". He said he left the building before the journalists did and added that as the camera was on all the time one could easily verify what had happened.

Dr Gonzi testified that it was unacceptable behaviour for a journalist to insist on interviewing the Prime Minister at about 10 p.m. in a PN club filled with people.

Lawyer Toni Abela represented Mr Gouder.

Lawyer Joseph Zammit Maempel represented In-Nazzjon.