Charged with inciting racial hatred

A member of the Republican National Alliance executive council, Paul Salomone, yesterday appeared in court under arrest and was charged with inciting racial hatred during a speech he made at the anti-immigration protest march organised by the right-wing movement in Valletta on June 8.

The 41-year-old was charged with using abusive and insolent language with the aim of inciting racial hatred.

After pleading not guilty, he was granted bail by Magistrate Abigail Lofaro against a personal guarantee of Lm1,000, on condition that he signs once a week at a police station next to his house.

He was accompanied by the group's spokesman Martin Degiorgio, who shook his head in disapproval as the bail conditions were read out.

Commenting on the arraignment after the hearing, Mr Degiorgio said he could not go into the merits of the case just yet for legal reasons but pointed out that the group was "taken by surprise".

"Now we have to analyse the charges in detail... we are sure that it is not the case..."

On its website the group said it would have plenty to say at the right time on this latest "and most sinister attack on freedom of expression in our so-called democracy".

Mr Salomone has become the second anti-immigration activist to be charged with inciting racial hatred, following the case of Norman Lowell, leader of Imperium Europa.

Lawyers Michael Tanti Dougal and Michael Schriha represented Mr Salomone while Inspectors Dominic Micallef and Mary Muscat prosecuted.