Breaking: Police Charge Bis-Serjeta’ Satire Site Owner With ‘Threatening’ To Bomb River Of Love
Police have filed criminal charges against Matt Bonanno, owner of the satirical website Bis-Serjeta’, for “threatening to bomb” the Christian fellowship group River of Love.
Bonanno has set up a fundraiser to help him fight the case and you can find all the details here.
On 4th January 2022, Bonanno posted a satirical Facebook post stating that “River of Love should be treated exactly like ISIS”. One of his friends commented that “I don’t think Malta can afford a sustained aerial bombing campaign on Żebbuġ (where River of Love used to be based)… PS not to say it shouldn’t try”.
Bonanno responded to that comment: “And Żebbuġ is pretty nice. Relocate River of Love to Buġibba, then carpet bomb. Two birds with one stone.”
In an article on Bis-Serjeta, Bonanno announced that police have filed charges against both him and his Facebook friend for breaking two clauses of the Electronic Communications law.
They are charged with breaching Article 48(d), which states that “any person who uses any electronic communications network or apparatus supplied by an undertaking for a purpose other than that for which it was supplied, or neglects to observe instructions which are issued by an undertaking for the proper use of the electronic communications network or apparatus or makes improper use thereof” shall be liable to a fine of €25,000.
They have also been charged with breaching Article 49, which states that people who go online to threaten to commit a crime shall be liable to a fine of €25,000.
This means that Bonanno and his friend are facing fines of up to €50,000 each if the courts find them guilty.
Bonanno announced that he is raising funds to fight the case, which he described as a “ridiculous” one, to cover all legal expenses and any potential fines he may incur. Should he raise more funds than needed or is cleared of the charges, he has promised to invest the extra money towards the continued running of Bis-Serjeta’ and other comedic projects, and to donate 10% of it to an LGBTIQ charity.
“I don’t intend to take this lying down. Help me fight against religious extremists for freedom of expression, satire and opinion,” he said.
“I’d also like to offer my sincerest apologies for implying that Bugibba is a shit hole and that the entire town should be the subject of intense aerial bombardment. In reality, there are three or four restaurants that should be spared.”
Cover photo: From left: Bis-Serjeta’ founder Matt Bonanno, River of Love pastor Gordon-John Manche, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa
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