Police Commissioner testifies in libel case

Police Commissioner John Rizzo yesterday told a magistrate how, following his experience at the Ta' Qali counting hall during the referendum last year, he felt the need to take the measurements of the corridors and the rooms around the hall so that the inflow of people could be better controlled.

Mr Rizzo said that although the tension at the counting hall had increased when Labour leader Alfred Sant visited it during the counting of the referendum votes, it was not an unusual tension.

"There was tension that had built over the days leading up to the counting of the votes, as was usual in all elections... When Dr Sant entered the tension increased as there was a sudden inflow of people in a space that was too small for them... The tension was strong but not worrying," he said.

Mr Rizzo was testifying before Magistrate Michael Mallia in the libel proceedings filed by Dr Sant against the editor of The Times, Raymond Bugeja, over the publication of a letter entitled "Uphold democracy" on April 1, 2003.

The Police Commissioner explained that on March 9, 2003, he had gone to the counting hall in the morning, sometime after 8 a.m., as he liked being present when the counting of the votes reached the high-tension point.

When he was inside the building he was informed that Dr Sant was going to the hall.

"I walked out and as soon as I got out of the counting hall proper, I saw a crowd of people, among whom there was Dr Sant."

Mr Rizzo explained that he did not see Dr Sant enter the main gate but first saw him when he had entered the part of the hall where people were searched for hazardous objects, under the arches.

"At one point a crowd of people gathered around him... He was surrounded by people who were there to support him and journalists who tried to take a comment," he said.

Mr Rizzo went on to explain that Dr Sant went into the counting hall where he spent some time and when he went out again police escorted him out at a distance.

Dr Sant then went into the offices of the Labour Party, situated in the premises, and when he went back outside he was surrounded by journalists. Some commotion broke out when one camera man accidentally hit someone while manoeuvring his camera.

When asked about the atmosphere Mr Rizzo said that although the tension could be felt in the air, it was not worrying since it was common during the counting of votes.

He explained that after this experience he had given instructions for journalists and cameramen to use wireless equipment. He also felt the need to take security measures to avoid overcrowding in the areas around the hall.

The case continues.

Dr Paul Lia is appearing for Dr Sant.

Dr Stefan Frendo is appearing for The Times.