The former secretary general of the General Workers’ Unon, Tony Zarb, an activist of the Labour Party, harshly criticised PN MEPs Roberta Metsola and David Casa and as well as German MEP Werner Langen, the chairman of Pana committee that is investigating Prime Minister Joseph Muscat over the Panama Papers scandal.

During a hearing held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on June 14 the Prime Minister was under attack from all angles. In his blog, Mr Zarb instigated hatred against these MEPs, calling Dr Metsola and Mr Casa “ġagbini” and “traitors”.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who has the spiritual welfare and wellbeing of the Maltese at heart, spoke against the use of language that instigates hatred. Mr Zarb retaliated by calling those who expressed concern with the use of such language as having dirty minds.

Mr Zarb has long been known for his extreme political beliefs – he takes a long, deep sleep when the Labour Party is in government, but comes out tooth and nail when the Nationalists are in office. We have seen him protesting and encouraging people to take to the streets under various Nationalist governments.

People like Mr Zarb cannot accept criticism of the Labour Party even if the criticism is justified. Following the Archbishop’s show of concern, Alfred Grixti, CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, also lashed out at the Archbishop.

Mr Grixti, although having a right to his own opinion, must bear in mind that, as a government employee paid from taxpayers’ money, he should refrain from using hate speech as well as attacking, insulting and offending other authorities. May I remind Mr Grixti that this is not the first time that the Archbishop has expressed his concern at the kind of language used by certain bloggers.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca also warned against the way certain bloggers express themselves against others. But this must have slipped the attention of these two gentlemen.

Mr Zarb and Mr Grixti should also take note of the Prime Minister’s speech during which he expressed his desire to unite the Maltese people. By instigating hatred and calling people names, these two individuals are doing the exact oppostite of working for unity among the Maltese. Could it be that they are simply ignoring Joseph Muscat’s wishes?

And what about the nasty welcome that Mr Zarb suggested should be given to the two Maltese MEPs upon their return to Malta?

Is the Police Commissioner aware of this, and what is he going to do about it? Keep silent?