A total of nine hunters who participated in the demonstration in Valletta on Independence Day were this morning granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Magistrate Antonio Vella gave his bail decree in camera this morning.

The hunters are: Alan Mizzi, 22, from Żebbuġ (Gozo); Oliver Borg, 42, from Marsascala; Krist Callus, 24, from Żurrieq; Brian Grech, 21, from Rabat; David Spagnol, 44, from Marsascala; Simon Camilleri, 26, from Żabbar; Arnold Farrugia, 21, from Dingli; Gabriel Farrugia, 19, from Mosta; and Josmar Buhagiar, 28, from Żabbar.

All nine are pleading not guilty to: conspiring to commit a crime, inciting others to break the law, insulting and shouting threatening words at the Prime Minister, forming part of an illegal protest during which they showed disrespect towards the government, making obscene gestures and breaching the peace.

Arnold Farrugia and Gabriel Farrugia were also charged with the possession of a fake shotgun while committing a crime that threatened security. Gabriel Farrugia was charged with the possession of protected species and committing a crime while on probation.

Mr Camilleri was charged with committing a crime during the operative period of suspended jail term. Arnold Farrugia, Mr Grech and Mr Mizzi were charged with hurling stones.

Mr Callus was charged with assaulting Times of Malta cameraman Mark Zammit Cordina and relapsing while Mr Spagnol was charged with assaulting Times of Malta journalist Ivan Martin and photographer Chris Sant Fournier.

The 10th hunter charged, Christian Aquilina, was also granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €2,000.

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