Attacks condemned

The unwarranted attack on several journalists and photographers that were covering the pro-hunting protest in Republic Street, Valletta yesterday, has been condemned by the journalists' organisations and by Alternattiva Demokratika.

The Institute of Journalists deplored the incident in which, it said, at least five members of the press were attacked physically and also verbally abused.

Journalists who were abused represented The Times, The Malta Independent, l-orizzont and Illum.

The institute, like the Journalists Committee, called on the authorities, especially the police, to take legal action against those responsible for such acts.

Journalists Committee chairman Karl Schembri said the committee now expected the organisers of the protest to take a public stand against the violent and anti-democratic elements in their midst.

They should also assist the authorities to arraign those responsible for these acts of aggression, Mr Schembri added.

In a statement late last night the government expressed its concern about the incidents. It said everyone had to respect the right of the police and journalists to carry out their jobs without violence or threats.