The threatened unlawful assembly that never happened

It was business as usual at Ta' Qali yesterday morning with no signs of a violent protest by hunters but more a question of peaceful picnickers, joggers, cyclists and walkers and the usual activities held in the area.

An SMS that was doing the rounds last week, urging hunters to attend an illegal protest at 10 a.m. yesterday, armed with knives, stones and other objects, seems to have gone unheeded.

Saturday's arraignment of four men, charged with incitement to commit a crime in connection with the sending of the text messages; a press conference by the police, warning that the protest was "illegal" because no permit was even requested, and the hunters' federation's declaration that it was disassociating itself from any such protest, seem to have dampened the enthusiasm of even the diehards as no suspicious movements were noticed in the area.

The "normal day" was confirmed by the police, who still took no chances and subtly patrolled Ta' Qali. A couple were spotted on motorbikes, one stationed towards the entrance to the area, but not exactly in full view, and mobile squad vehicles were doing their routine rounds.

Assistant Police Commissioner Josie Brincat, speaking to The Times from overseas, said there may also have been CID officers in plain clothes, mingling with the public, but "we had our own eyes monitoring the situation".

The police did not stumble across any potential protesters but rather on families on their Sunday outing and couples attending a homes' fair at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre. HSBC Life also held a health awareness day in aid of Lifecycle and the police had been detailed to that, with their dog show, before any potential protests were heard of.

The text message, which appears to have first surfaced on Thursday, read: "A big motorcade and a spectacular protest next Sunday at 10 a.m. The migration is here and we cannot go out. Patience is running out and we're going to turn this country to dust. Bring with you iron, wood, stones, knives, petrol and matches. Send this message to all the enthusiasts you know..."

Mr Brincat had warned on Saturday that anyone responding to the message would be party to what is legally known as an unlawful assembly - which never happened.