Police to investigate amid anger over taunts for man to 'jump' off bastion

Police have launched an investigation after Times of Malta revealed how a group of people urged a man in crisis to jump off a Valletta bastion on Friday morning. 

Sources told Times of Malta that police are investigating whether the people were instigating the man to commit suicide, an alleged violation that carries a 12-year prison sentence.

Earlier on Friday, police and rescue workers successfully talked down the man, who had been sitting with his legs dangling off the side of the bastion and pacing at the top for two hours.

At several points, he could be seen gesturing and speaking in an agitated voice. 

Video: Jessica Arena/ Karl Andrew Micallef

Some bystanders however showed little sympathy for the man’s situation, as several people in a crowd that gathered to watch jeered and encouraged the man to jump. 

Footage of the incident captured by Times of Malta has since been shared widely, with many expressing outrage and incredulity at the behaviour of the people jeering at a man in distress. 

What does the law say?

According to the Criminal Code, anyone who "shall prevail on any person to commit suicide or shall give him any assistance, shall, if the suicide takes place, be...