Four men and one woman who stand accused of assaulting two police officers in Ħamrun have just been released on bail.

The incident, which goes back one month, to the night of 21st September, happened on the main road of Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, and resulted in a viral video of the all-out street brawl which has been seen and commented on multiple times.

33-year-old Christian Mansueto from Siġġiewi, 44-year-old Kurt Borg from Qormi, 23-year-old Redeimen Aquilina from Ħamrun, and 46-year-old Elton Borg from St Julian’s and his 32-year-old wife Erica were filmed engaging in a violent brawl with police officers which had initially been triggered by a parking ticket.

Two days after the incident, the five suspects were brought to court, charged, and denied bail.

Last week, leaked police bodycam showed the moment which started the brawl, revealing what many decried as provocation from the side of the police in what quickly went from a parking ticket, to a tense exchange, to all-out blows being exchanged from both sides within a matter of less than five minutes.

Now, all five have been granted bail.

Elton and Kurt Borg’s release from arrest was secured by a €7,500 deposit and a €15,000 personal guarantee each. Redeimen Aquilina and Christian Mansueto were each required to deposit €3,000 and provide a €5,000 personal guarantee. Erika Borg’s release from arrest was secured by a €3,000 deposit and an €8,000 personal guarantee.

Amongst their other bail conditions the defendants were all prohibited from communicating with the officers involved.

Christian Mansueto was assisted by lawyers Franco Debono and Charles Mercieca. Matthew Xuereb and Franco Debono assisted Elton and Kurt Borg; Erica Borg was assisted by Jacob Magri and Arthur Azzopardi and Redeimen Aquilina was assisted by Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud;

What do you make of this latest development?