Police Board to probe protest 'excessive force' claims

Updated at 5.05pm with Malta Police Association comments
The Police Board is expected to investigate whether police officers used excessive force when handling a group of protestors on Thursday.
Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia told the Times of Malta that the autonomous board, headed by Judge Franco Depasquale, was expected to look into whether officers had been violent when they dragged protesters out of the Planning Authority premises during a protest.?
The protestors attended a board meeting in protest over controversial plans for another new fuel station outside development zone.
Two of the activists were seen bleeding as they were forcibly removed from the building by Rapid Intervention Unit officers.
Dr?Farrugia said the Police Board probe was a normal process when the police dealt with claims of improper conduct by officers.
Asked whether he felt too much force had been used, the minister said: "Officers should always use as little force as possible. But this always depends on the circumstances they find themselves in."
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had been unequivocal in his position, saying he was disappointed by police's...

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