Updated | Arraigned for sending threatening emails to Palestine activists

A man was criminally arraigned in front of Magistrate Antonio Mizzi for sending threatening messages to former MaltaToday journalist Karl Schembri, and author Adrian Grima, and activists Lana Turner and Mario Gerada.

Lawrence Attard Bezzina was accused of sending anonymous messages of a threatening nature to the four persons over their roles in reporting and publicising the situation of Palestinians in the occupied territories and Gaza. Attard Bezzina, a senior principal at the Ghammieri agricultural centre, happens to be a vocal member of the Maltese jewish community.

Attard Bezzina asked to be forgiven in court. Adrian Grima, the only witness present, said he personally would forgive him as long as the accused would not resort to such threats again.

At a certain point, Attard Bezzina accused the prosecuting police inspector of 'anti-semitism' in an unexplained outburst, but was immediately stopped by the Magistrate and he apologised.

In comments to MaltaToday, Karl Schembri said that since he covered the Al Aqsa Intifada 11 years ago, Attard Bezzina had been "spreading all sorts of lies about me and others who write or are somehow involved in unveiling the truth about the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which has been ongoing for the last 62 years."

"His latest tactic was to threaten us anonymously - the most cowardly act anyone can ever do and the biggest disservice he can do to his perceived cause. His world is only one of hate, contempt and cowardice worthy of a nice hefty fine. I hope he shuts up or be a man and voice his lunatic views in his name, providing facts for once."

Anglu Farrugia was defence counsel for Attard Bezzina.