Charges have been filed against Żurrieq mayor Ignatius Farrugia over a report by columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia who claimed he harassed her at the Rabat feast on March 19.

Mr Farrugia, a popular figure in his hometown, has often been the subject of ridicule on Ms Caruana Galizia’s blog, with several of his Facebook photos published, captioned with derogatory remarks.

Replying to questions by The Times, police said charges have been filed against the Żurrieq mayor but they did not give details.

A hearing will take place on April 9 before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, who like Mr Farrugia was criticised by Ms Caruana Galizia on her blog.

Magistrate Herrera had filed criminal defamation charges against Ms Caruana Galizia in 2011 claiming harassment over a series of critical blog posts.

However, she then dropped the charges leaving only the ex-officio harassment charge – of which Ms Caruana Galizia was acquitted.

In her first blog post about the incident with Mr Farrugia, Ms Caruana Galizia had complained that Magistrate Herrera may end up hearing the case.

Ms Caruana Galizia is claiming Mr Farrugia followed her around during the feast, chanting Labour slogans, photographing and jostling her, together with a group of friends.

She then “took shelter at the Franciscan convent” before police arrived.

In a recent interview with One TV presenter John Bundy, Mr Farrugia downplayed the incident, but said Ms Caruana Galizia had “hurt many hearts” especially when she had celebrated the death of former Labour Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.