Updated 2.48pm with Bonnici statement

The home affairs and arts ministers will be looking into possible legislative amendments that protect freedom of speech, after River of Love pastor Gordon John Manché filed a third separate criminal complaint against a performer. 

On Thursday, Teatru Malta’s artistic director Sean Buhagiar was questioned by the police over a criminal report after he called Manché an "asshole" on social media and repeated a satirical quip about carpet bombing the organisation.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that while he understood that the police needed to look into filed reports, they should not become "a tool in the hands of extremists who want to stifle the arts and freedom of expression".

"We need more satire and fewer people spreading stupidity and hatred," he said on Facebook.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici was also categorical, making reference to Manche by name and writing: "Let me be clear: it is absolutely not acceptable for people to be allowed to abuse laws to silence artists." 

Camilleri and Bonnici have both said they will now work together to assess any possible legislative amendments. 

Buhagiar said that local satire should be safeguarded, in support of comedian Daniel Xuereb and satirist Matt Bonanno who have also been reported to the police by Manché.

Manché has also filed a judicial protest against Times of Malta demanding that articles linking his Christian evangelical community to the alleged murderer of a Polish woman be taken down from the website.