The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) said that it did not organise today’s protest in Valletta, that was organised because of yesterday’s government’s decision to close the hunting season. In the FKNK’s opinion, Government’s decision was hasty and incorrect and "in all probability was taken as a result of a false report made by a local journalist, also yesterday".
The FKNK condems any violent actions, as reported, that may have occurred as a consequence of the protest.
Notwithstanding this, the FKNK understands the Maltese hunters’ frustration at being prevented from practicing their hunting passions when over 7,000,000 other hunters in Europe, also EU citizens, can freely do so at present.
Finally, the FKNK repeats that pending any legal action that the FKNK may decide to take to safeguard its and its members interests at law, the FKNK may contemplate other measures of protest, starting tomorrow.
The St Hubert Hunters’ Association also issued a statement, saying that following what can only be termed as an unofficial, illegal and abusive protest by an undesirable small sector of the hunting community, Kaccaturi San Ubertu categorically condemn such abusive behaviour that has no place in civilized society. Apart from disassociating itself from this and any similar behaviour KSU would like to express its solidarity with the group of birdwatchers and their families that were savagely attacked and call on the authorities to investigate those responsible for this despicable act.
Following today’s incidents which came about as a result of ban imposed on all hunters which undoubtedly resulted due to the actions of people of the same mindset as today’s protestors, KSU trust the authorities will revise the licensing procedure, raise penalties and amend regulations in order to ensure those holding a hunting license are worthy of it.
KSU together with another NGO and a group of renowned ornithologists are currently working on a project that will prove that those that share a love of birds, even though some of their views might differ, can work in unison for the benefit of birds. Today’s incidents certainly depict an aspect of the hunting community that is not to be tolerated and only serves to tarnish the law abiding majority of hunters that share an appreciation of Government’s efforts to better hunting in Malta.
BirdLife Malta also issued a statement, calling for improved security and rapid action by the authorities to prevent further attacks following a vicious assault on a group of Maltese volunteer birdwatchers at Buskett earlier this evening.
Thirteen volunteers, including women and a seven year old child, were attacked by a mob of at least thirty angry hunters as they watched birds coming in to the woodlands at Buskett to rest for the night.
BirdLife Malta has put together the sequence of events after discussing the incident with some of the volunteers. Geoffrey Saliba, BirdLife Malta President, said, “The birdwatchers noticed some noise coming from the pig farm near Buskett and then a mass of at least thirty people charged at them.”
As the volunteers ran for safety, one elderly volunteer was attacked by about four hunters, his camera was stolen and he was punched in the face and suffered facial injuries. Another volunteer sustained a leg injury after he was hit by a rock thrown by the mob. Mr Saliba added, “We understand that those that attacked our volunteers had joined in the demonstration in Valletta earlier in the day and it appears that the attack was planned at that illegal protest.”
Even the volunteers that escaped were targeted as rocks and glass bottles were thrown at them. Mr Saliba added, “The mob were not remotely worried by who they might hurt because even a seven year old child and women were among the group of volunteers targeted.”
Police in riot gear rapidly attended the scene at Buskett and the volunteers were able to go to Rabat police station to make statements. Mr Saliba added, “No one has been arrested as a result of the attack, but we understand that the volunteers might be able to recognise some of their attackers.”
One of the volunteers who was attacked said that he fell victim to a similar incident more than twenty years ago on Independence Day. Previous situations have rapidly escalated resulting in cars being burned and BirdLife Malta staff being shot in the face. Mr Saliba added, “These situations always escalate if there is not firm and rapid intervention by the authorities. Urgent action is required including the rapid arrest and prosecution of the attackers involved in this brutal assault of innocent people, including women and a child.”
Hunters' protest