Man who called for PN MEP to be burnt alive is denied bail

66-year-old Emmanuel Navarro yesterday pleaded his innocence after he was arraigned over a Facebook comment in which he said PN MEP Roberta Metsola should be burned alive.

Before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech he was charged with inciting hatred on political grounds, misuse of electronic communications equipment, and insulting and threatening Metsola in writing under the criminal code and the press act. He pleaded not guilty.

Navarro’s social media commentary was shared multiple times by PN MPs on Facebook, where the accused called Metsola a “traitor”, adding that she should be burnt alive.

Many people have harshly criticising PN MEPs after last week’s debate at the European Parliament, which approved a resolution that calls for an investigation on the Panama Papers leaks. The debate was held after the brutal murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Following Navarro’s remarks, the PN issued a statement to condemn the hate speech espoused and expressed solidarity with MEP.

Prosecuting inspector Elton Taliana objected to the defence’s request for bail on the grounds that the threat was a serious one.

Navarro’s lawyer, Peter Paul Zammit remarked that it was a sad day for Malta when a 66year-old is arraigned over a Facebook threat.

Frendo Dimech promptly replied that more than sad, it is a horrendous day.

A protection order in favour of Metsola has been issued. Lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Karol Aquilina appeared parte civile.