RIOTS IN MALTA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29520, 23 May 1961, Page 20

RIOTS IN MALTA

Religious Feud

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) VALLETTA, May 21. Rioting and fighting broke out on the Roman Catholic Island of Gozo, Malta, today, when the Malta Labour Party, which had been feuding with the Church, attempted to bold a meeting on the tiny island.

Thousands of islanders fought a running battle with 2000 party supporters. Persons were clubbed with iron flag poles and several Labour supporters were injured when struck by stones and bottles.

Heavily reinforced police arrested six youths. Church bells in Victoria, the island’s capital, rang out to drown out Labour speakers.

Labour supporters set fire to three grain fields, and a policeman was hit in the face with a bottle during the fighting.

The Labour leader (Mr Dorn MintofT) abandoned attempts to hold a meeting after saying only a few words—all of which were drowned out by the church bells.

Mr Mintoff and his supporters are at the centre of bitter political and religious strife on Malta. The feud between the Maltese Labour Party and the Roman Catholic Church has continued without break over the last few years. Recently the Archbishop of Malta (Sir Michael Gonzi) denied an allegation by Mr Mintoff that he was "in coalition with the British Government” to smash the Labour Party.