Police make more arrests, keep drivers away from airport, Valletta

The police over the past few hours made more arrests as investigations into the public transport incidents continue.

Twelve people have been arraigned in court so far and all have been remanded in custody. Further arraignments are expected tomorrow.

Informed sources said that while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was in Malta, the police had, successfully, concentrated on keeping protesting transport workers away from the airport and Valletta, as well as the sea terminal. The Special Assignment Group was deployed for a few hours in the morning when it was learnt that bus drivers may try to block the airport roads.

A number of taxis parked near the airport were stopped from leaving by the police.

The sources said the bus drivers had told Police Commissioner John Rizzo, who was with the SAG contingent this morning that they were demanding the release of the four drivers remanded in custody late yesterday. Mr Rizzo said such demands were unacceptable.

All roads were, meanwhile, open for traffic by 5 pm. today.