Francis Cassar, 42 of Cospicua, was remanded in custody yesterday after being accused of having voluntarily caused damage of over €1,600 on a private coach in Floriana yesterday.
He was also accused of threatened people, forming part of a group of more than 10 intent on committing a crime and violently resisting people in charge of public transport. He pleaded not guilty.
Also arraigned were Joseph Buttigieg, 48 of Marsa, Carmel Asciak 55 of Swatar and John Attard, 65 of Sta Venera, who were accused of having formed part of a group intent on commiting a crime.
Various sections of the Police Corps were yesterday occupied in securing open access to Valletta after it was closed by members of the Transport Federation in their strike, now ongoing for two days.
The police said it had removed a number of obstacles in main roads, and even arrested people who were not collaborating with the force.
Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday condemned the intimidation and demanded that the Public Transport Association (ATP) iron out their objections with the government around the discussion table.
“Blocking roads, banging on coaches, breaking windscreens, threatening drivers and swearing at other operators is absolutely unacceptable,” said AD chairperson, Arnold Cassola.
“Whilst transport workers have every right to strike, the threatening behaviour of some transport workers is to be condemned without reservation. Violence and bullying do not pay and these actions will only backfire on whoever perpetrates them.”