Government refuses request for photos to be taken during Debono's speech
A request by The Times to take photos and footage of the first part of much anticipated speech by Franco Debono in Parliament this evening has been refused by the government.
In its request, The Times said this was a highly anticipated speech so it was only logical to allow some time for photographers and cameramen to be able to record the moment pictorially while journalists recorded it in text.
But PN whip David Agius did not agree that a permit should be given saying no agreement had been reached in the House Business Committee and there were no guidelines to regulate such requests.
When contacted, Mr Agius said that filming and photos had never before been taken if not at the beginning of a debate. Allowing such requests might create chaos, he said.
Sources said the PL did not object to The Times' request.
For a live update of today's proceedings see:
41 Comments
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M camilleri
Jan 26th, 07:55
Aqliblu Nin.......
Victor Vella
Jan 25th, 23:41
U zgur. Ghax ihhamrilhom wicchom.
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 26th, 09:23
No, because it is useless to put more hype in the current situation!! ...
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Jan 25th, 21:25
WHOEVER TOOK THIS IDIOTIC DECISION must not be photographed anymore or his /her/their picture ever reproduced.....................it might disturb our inner sense of freedom and peace: What fools lie there yonder,at our Palace where Neptune reigns supreme in weather foul or fair,with not a single leaf to hide the source of life....Oh Neptune what nomadic creatures abound in the structures above thee........IDIOTS & dictatorial confused servants: WE THE PEOPLE will eventually lead you to your way out of this democratic quagmire you are leading us into: MALTA = A SECULAR DEMOCRACY.......A fool,a fool jestering to hide his image from us THE OVERLORDS.
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Jan 25th, 21:19
NEITHER ARE WE THE PEOPLE TOYS..................another instance of FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION thwarted.............WE THE PEOPLE weep for this country as our democracy is being betrayed by our servants.....A SERVANT BETRAYING HIS MASTER............YES that is what is happening and YOU MASTER are being sent out of the tent and allowing the CAMEL to take over completely....what Democracy:
Andrew Camilleri
Jan 25th, 21:08
Jaqaw skartati u ma jridux juru....................ghax fil-kaz xejn gdid.
Claire Busuttil
Jan 25th, 20:57
heqq ma iridux jidhru...qed jisthu.. hehehehehe u ghandhom ragun!!
pat muscat
Jan 25th, 20:21
And the Ministers who might loose their job, have the temerity to ask why this vote of no confidence is being brought before Parliament! The answer was given this evening by the Government's whip David Agius; GonziPN is afraid to face the truth ! GonziPN does not want Franco Debono-one of its deputies- to be seen criticizing left right and center GonziPN! GonziPN is in denial!
rueben pitre
Jan 25th, 19:52
Arom qed jiddejqu jidhru . If you are on the right side of the story than don't be ashamed to show yourself .
Wilfred Camilleri
Jan 25th, 19:49
"Arrogant," "Tal-Misthija," "Chickens" are some of the words used below after the government's refusal to allow the Times to take photos and footage of the first part of much anticipated speech by Franco Debono in Parliament. Well, Parliament either allows its proceedings to be photographed and filmed or it doesn't. Breaking or relaxing of the rules should not be allowed for the convenience of one MP or one party.
In many countries rules have been established to allow TV cameras to record and broadcast Parliamentary proceedings within certain parameters. This is something that should be considered and implemented by Malta's parliament. But allowing recording of proceedings should not on the whim of one paper, TV station or party.
A.M. Galea
Jan 26th, 11:09
Sur Camilleri , tajjeb infakkrek li meta kien hemm xi dibattitu li kien ta' interess mazzjonali , dejjem kien jinstab mod kif il-pubbliku kien jinghata ic-cans li jisma kif ukoll jara dak li kien ikun ghaddej fil-parlament . Kien hemm diversi okkazzjonijiet fejn gara dan , ghallura ghaliex f'din l-okkazzjoni le ? Huwa veru li hemm ir-regolamenti tal-kamra li jridu jigu osservati , izda tajjeb li tiftakar ukoll li ghall kull regola hemm ukoll eccezzjoni . Ghallhekk f'l-opinjoni tieghi din li ma inghatax permess biex id-diskors ta' l-Hon Dr.Franco Debono ma jkunx irrekordjat , hija skuza ohra halli il-poplu ma jkunx jista jara ir-reazzjoni tal-Ministri li dwarhom ikun qed jitkellem l-Hon. Dr. Franco Debono u xejn aktar .
Victor Laiviera
Jan 25th, 19:44
Faħam miblul.
charles flask
Jan 25th, 19:43
Balla li dak li qed jaghmlu tal misthija issa huma stess qed jisthu jidhru . Just call them CHICKENS !!!!
carmelo buttigieg
Jan 25th, 19:37
Once the PN were said to be the Champions of Democracy!
Drocan Lubstuit
Jan 25th, 19:44
Amen
Paul Camilleri
Jan 25th, 19:31
Tuh ic-cans ha jkun ihossu aktar 'in the limelight'. Ha jtir bil-ferh. Ghadu ma jafx x'qed jistennieh wara il mossa li ghamel, sew l'hawn kif ukoll jekk l'hemm
edward ciantar
Jan 26th, 08:36
maaaaaaa gej il-babaw!!!!
Joseph Calleja
Jan 25th, 19:25
I think The Times has every right to take photos and footage of the first part of much anticipated speech by Franco Debono in Parliament this evening. This is history in the making for Malta and the Maltese and the media has the obligation to attend and report to the public what our future is going to look like. We want to see live what Franco Debonohas to say and what his real demands are. Mr Agius you are pathetic if you do not let this Parliament Session be TELEVISED LIVE for all citizens to see. You did that with the HONORARIA PAY RAISE, remember. Like you, we want to be there in person. Is there something you are truing to hide Mr Speaker?.
Andrew Siad
Jan 25th, 19:17
In North Korea ma hallewx lil pajjiz jara t team jlaqqat 6 mal portugal fl ahhar world cup!!!
A.M. Galea
Jan 25th, 19:02
You can describe this attitude in one simple word, ''CHICKENS ''
Joseph Calleja
Jan 25th, 19:12
Add another word "Arrogant ".
Aldo Buttigieg
Jan 25th, 19:20
Tal- Misthija!
Joseph Calleja
Jan 25th, 18:57
What is the matter David Agius? Do you have something to hide. Or are you afraid that Franco Debono is right in his quest and might expose the truth? This speech may effect the whole country and I think the people have every right to know. More proof that this country has become a third world country. The whole media and especially the TV media should be televising this live so the people can see what real politicians are made of. Why the secrecy Mr Agius? How pathetic doing things behind the people's backs. Transparency?
Alfred Falzon
Jan 25th, 18:57
Good decision by Mr Speaker. It is not in the national interest for us to see long faces during Franco's speech. as the saying goes La Verita Offende.
Joseph Calleja
Jan 25th, 19:08
Get a life Mr Falzon, this is not all about you. This is for all citizens to see and hear. It is very much in the national interest. La Verita Offende? Perche segnor Falzon? Hallina Alfred. Put it on TV for everybody to see unless they have something to hide.
Mauro Piscopo
Jan 25th, 18:55
U zgur li Dr Gozni ma jridx min johodlu ritratt min jaf kif ha jkun abjad karti . Missu ha ritratt kuljum il prim ministru forsi kien jinduna li mhux qed jinkludi il kulhadd mill grupp tieghu meta jaghmel xi haga . Ara issa hlief biki u laqizmu sfrenat mahniex naraw forsi il prim jigbor giehu
ara fil parlament hadt minkom ma kellhu il kuragg jattaka il franco kif amiltu fil kazini u l blogs li andkom orkestrati . u mhux talli ek talli bil wicca sfaccat kollhu qed tippruvaw titfawa fuq l-oppozizjoni
Rachel Falzon
Jan 25th, 18:52
mela qed jisthu juru wicchom in naha tal gvern .
Ahjar sthajtu meta hadtu bil mohbi dik iz zieda fahxija u lilna tajtuna il peanuts .
Ara vera nies iwweldjati mall poter . Mhux ta bxejn umbrajtuh il franco ghax intom min jolqotkom fil laham il haj tippruvaw teqirduh .
John Borg
Jan 25th, 18:34
You can hear it on 106.6. Nahseb li smajna bizzejjed x'kellu xi jghid Franco Debono. empty vessels make a lot of sound... and it's music to Labour's ears.
vojt ma vojt,
bahh ma bahh,
xejn ma xejn.
Wahda mill-hajku li kiteb Frankie Tabone!
A.M. Galea
Jan 26th, 08:17
Mr.Borg , it's true that you can hear the debate on 10.6 FM , but you can't see the reaction on the faces of those Ministers to whom the Hon.Dr.Franco Debono will be refering . You can judge how they will be feeling at that moment , by their body language .
So , by refusing that the debate will be recorded , it simply means that the government does not feel comfortable with the situation .
A Stafrace
Jan 25th, 18:29
For those who wish to hear the debate online http://85.119.124.11/stream1
Joseph Calleja
Jan 25th, 19:02
The people have a right to see it happen in person, Yes televise the whole parliament session on PBS. After all this is a public television station or is it just to accommodate the talk hosts and there for the convenience of a one sided government. I say televise the whole program live, I am sure most people agree with me.
John Borg
Jan 25th, 19:51
Biex noqghodu naraw lil Michelle tibki? Ghanda biex tibki meta qrat dawk l e mails ma Sabrina!
Mr Fred Muscat
Jan 25th, 18:29
@Saviour Caruana. Simply enter Radio 106.6, and Search
Saviour Caruana
Jan 25th, 18:23
Can anyone tell me if I can listen to this debate online?
106.6fm does not appear to be streamed and the pbs website does not exist any more.
M. Cachia
Jan 25th, 18:28
http://www.gov.mt/frame.asp?l=1&url=http://www.parliament.gov.mt
Just click on the Red Tab - Live Audio Streaming
MC
SILVIO SEISUN
Jan 25th, 18:28
go on google kamra tad deputati and clik on live streaming
SILVIO SEISUN
Jan 25th, 18:29
im listening from the uk
C Spiteri
Jan 25th, 18:35
http://www.parlament.mt/home
aldo Attard
Jan 25th, 18:37
106.6fm
The frequency is active.
But one cannot watch or see photos because gov't objects.
V Cassar
Jan 25th, 18:46
http://85.119.124.11/stream1
Mr Marcel Dingli
Jan 25th, 18:17
It seems the Government doesn`t get the picture. The people have got it quite a while ago. Who is playing the Dalai Lama now? Dalai Trux and Dalai Mutu at its best.