One of the nine hunters charged with their involvement in the illegal protest on September 21 told tourists Malta's Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, was "a bull", the court heard this afternoon.
Police Inspector Darryl Borg told Magistrate Anthony Vella that he saw one of the accused, David Spagnol, making a gesture of horns on his head and telling the tourists at St George's Square "our Prime Minister is a bull".
He also saw and heard Mr Spagnol offending the Prime Minister and the government and saw him involved in an argument with a Times of Malta journalist and cameraman.
The inspector said even accused Simon Camilleri was involved in an argument with the press. He looked agitated and had to be held back by his friends, he said.
He was testifying in the compilation of evidence against nine hunters: 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 a Times of Malta cameraman and relapsing while Mr Spagnol was charged with assaulting a Times of Malta journalist and a photographer.
At the end of today's sitting, Magistrate Vella said there was enough prima facie evidence for the hunters to be indicted.
Inspector Borg gave details of what he saw and what he saw each of the accused doing including those who threw bottles at the Labour Party club in Republic Street and who pushed a cameraman's camera out of the way because he had "bothered him". In the latter case, he identified Krist Callus.
The case continues in December.