The University this afternoon listed the reasons why the Rector had banned the newspaper Ir-Realtà from campus.

It said that the Rector was advised that the article entitled 'Li Tkisser Sewwi' published in the penultimate page may constitute a violation the Press Act and the Criminal Code. There was no indication on the front cover or on the page containing the article that the material was ‘adult' reading.

The publication, it said, was distributed within the University of Malta precinct which was used not only by students and staff but also members of the public and their children - especially on the weekends. It was also distributed at the gates of Junior College where the students are minors.

"Had the contents been made clear to the University authorities before it was distributed, the University would have had a chance to check out the legal implications and, if appropriate, could have also made arrangements for it to be made available in some other less generalised manner," the University said.

It pointed out that the Education Act laid down that the Rector should take necessary measures to ensure that the law is upheld within the premises of the University of Malta, which falls within his responsibility.

Seven previous issues of the newspaper, were circulated and distributed with no problem.

"Whilst encouraging freedom of expression, freedom of the press and safeguarding rights of journalists, as happens in every parliamentary democracy, the Rector is obliged to consider the legal aspects which may affect the University and to protect underage visitors to campus from writing which is definitely for adult consumption only," the University said.