Opposition Whip Joe Mizzi this evening raised a breach of privilege complaint against a NET TV cameraman and a reporter, saying they had followed him as he entered the precincts of parliament, asking him questions despite the fact that he had requested them to at least ask his permission to do so.

He said that the reporter had answered that that was his first time in Parliament but the cameraman had challenged him and continued filming him.

Mr Mizzi said he was making his complaint at he felt threatened and the cameraman acted as if he was above Parliament’s authority.

The Labour MP said he did not even know what the questions were. He declared that whenever he had been asked questions by members of the media, he had always answered them, even though NET TV “massacred” his comments or did not broadcast his views at all.

Leader of the House Tonio Borg said that it was time to regulate such issues. Members of the media, including cameramen, had under different governments, been given permission to enter Parliament and where prior permission had been requested, interviews had also been given.

Dr Borg said that one should not hinder reporters from asking questions in areas outside the precincts of Parliament. While no one should pester others, one had to safeguard the freedom of the press.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he was ready to hold discussions on procedures for access to members of the media.

Mr Mizzi replied that he was raising the breach of privilege because the incident happened within the Parliament building.