Man in court, two hurt in brawl at mass meeting

A man has been remanded in custody after two persons were injured in a clash between rival political supporters in Zabbar yesterday. Alfred Gialanze, 56 of Zabbar, was accused of having seriously injured Anton Vassallo and also injured his girlfriend Michelle Wilson. He allegedly smashed a glass in Mr Vassallo's face. Mr Gialanze is pleading not guilty. His lawyer Roberto Montalto said that the PN yesterday held a mass meeting in Zabbar. Mr Gialanze was in a bar along with the two alleged victims and a third person. At one point the third person insulted Mr Gialenze (a Labour supporter) with a political comment. Mr Gialenze replied with some expletives. When Anton Vassallo heard him, he intervened, saying he would not have tolerated comments like the ones made by Mr Gialenze. An argument broke out and they came to blows. Mr Gialaneze allegedly smashed a glass in Mr Vassallo's face. During pleas on bail, Police Inspector Frank Sammut noted that the Labour Party would hold a mass meeting in Zabbar on Sunday. He said all three people lived in Zabbar and there was a risk of this matter erupting again, Magistrate Marsann Farrugia remanded Mr Gialanze in custody because of his criminal...