The Broadcasting Authority has accused TVM chat show Bondiplus of violating the Broadcasting Act and subsidiary legislation aimed at ensuring the promotion of racial equality.

The charges referred to last Monday’s edition, which featured extreme right Imperium Europa leader Norman Lowell who aired his controversial opinions on various religious and racial groups.

Presenter Lou Bondì insisted yesterday he chose to interview Mr Lowell in order to delve beyond his thoughts on illegal immigration and help the Maltese understand the full force of the horrors of racism. “I am convinced that the best way of dealing with objectionable ideas is to discuss them, investigate them and expose them...,” he said.

Part of the legislation quoted by the Broadcasting Authority (subsidiary legislation 350.26) states that broadcasters must “exert a judicious decision when selecting presenters and participants during a programme dealing with racism” and “must not invite persons with racist ideas and opinions”.

Questions sent last Tuesday to the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality and to the police about the programme remain unanswered.

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