"Confusion" at Ta' Qali when Sant arrived

Three journalists yesterday testified about the change in atmosphere at the counting complex and counting hall at Ta' Qali on March 8 last year, where the votes of the EU referendum were being counted, when Alfred Sant went there.

Dione Borg, Michael Carabott and Michael Testa testified in libel proceedings initiated by Dr Sant against The Times editor Raymond Bugeja over the publication of a letter entitled "Uphold democracy" that was published on April 1, 2003.

Borg, who was at Ta' Qali for in-Nazzjon and Net News, explained how journalists had to go through metal detectors and had to have special passes to enter the counting complex and journalists as well as party representatives had to go through another metal detector and tag checks before they could go to see the counting process.

Michael Carabott, who was reporting for The Malta Independent, said he was at the press centre when there were reports that Dr Sant was going to the counting hall, and he went with other journalists in the yard to get Dr Sant's comments.

But when Dr Sant walked into the complex, as the media representatives tried to go up to him, "a crowd came from nowhere and surrounded him. There was a lot of pushing and shoving and they started saying 'ara tmissu l-leader' (don't you touch the leader) and Dr Sant then told people they could go out and celebrate before going into the counting hall".

Asked about police presence by Dr Sant's lawyer, Paul Lia, Carabott said there were a few policemen present at the time but irrespective of the number there were, they could not control the situation as things happened fast and it was rather chaotic.

The Times reporter Michael Testa explained how he was inside the counting hall when there was "a rush of people" and he then saw Dr Sant in their midst.

Testa said he tried to obtain a comment from Dr Sant and could not because of the crowd, but then managed later when Dr Sant turned and had to pass from in front of him.

Testa said he did not feel threatened but there was a lot of "pushing and confusion".

Stefan Frendo appeared for the editor.