Man accused of starting ‘political’ brawl in Rabat pastizzeria

Raymond Axiaq, 58, of Zurrieq pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring a Nationalist Party employee, Nicholas Azzopardi, in a brawl outside the Crystal Palace pastizzeria in Rabat, back in August.

Prosecuting Inspector Sarah Magri told the Court that the accused, known by his nickname 'il-Banana' was identified by the victim as having been the man who assaulted him.

On 4 August, Azzopardi said that he was hit by an unknown person as he waited in the packed pastizzeria in the early hours of the night. Also in same bar were former Nationalist MPs Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Franco Debono, who appeared to be in an argument with Azzopardi. Azzopardi's glasses were damaged in the incident.

Some days after the incident, the police received information claiming Axiaq was the person who hit Azzopardi. Investigating officers interrogated the accused's brother Joseph in connection with the incident. Subsequently Raymond Axiaq admitted with the police to having been present at the pastizzeria on the night of the incident.

In his police statement the accused denied assaulting Azzopardi, insisting he had tried to calm down a situation during which Pullicino Orlando and Debono appeared to be in a heated argument with Azzopardi, however he had brushed the victim's glasses off his face when he tried to interrupt the brawl.

The incident raised speculation about Debono and Pullicino Orlando having been involved in the brawl. The accused told the court that he knew Debono personally. He said that the former MP was actually  keeping people away from Azzopardi and telling them not to hit him. The accused also said that Pullicino Orlando was neither swearing nor insulting Nationalist supporters.

The case was postponed for the court to hear further evidence. Dr Edward Gatt is appearing for the accused.