Alternattiva Demokratika expressed solidarity with Vincent Farrugia and Geitu Mercieca who were victims of violent attacks in separate incidents over the past two weeks.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio said that in a democracy, debate was the way forward and violent attacks were condemnable.

The director general of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, Vince Farrugia, suffered serious injuries to his face when he was allegedly attacked by Sandro Chetcuti, a GRTU council member, at the GRTU offices in Valletta on Thursday.

Mr Chetcuti has been charged with Mr Farrugia's attempted murder. He is pleading not guilty.

The deputy general secretary of the General Workers' Union, Geitu Mercieca was allegedly attacked in a Valletta coffee shop by Carmelo Vella, 45, who had been fired after 25 years of service as a security guard with the union. He is also facing criminal charges in court and had pleaded not guilty.

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