A judicial protest over a nationality clause in the rules of the forthcoming Malta EuroSong contest was filed today by Grace Borg as manager and on behalf of the Association of Singers, Musicians and Composers, against PBS and the Minister of Education and Culture.

Ms Borg protested that the rules laid down that: "Artists, composers and authors must be of Maltese nationality or holding dual citizenship, one of which is Maltese."

She argued that this limitation was unfair, arbitrary, detrimental and discriminatory since it was based on Maltese nationality and excluded others who may not hold such nationality.

She pointed out that up to last year Malta observed a reciprocity clause whereby the Maltese song contest used to accept participation or submissions from other countries.

She therefore called for the regulations to be amended and for the closing date of submissions to be extended.