Shout campaigners today unveiled a powerful 30 second video showing real footage of hunters aggressively occupying the Maltese countryside, shooting rare and protected birds and intimidating innocent people.

Addressing a press conference this morning, campaign spokesperson Mark Sultana argued that hunters are hiding behind a mask with their yes campaign. “We’ve seen their flashy campaign – but what they are promoting is far from the truth, and we could not stand by and watch without exposing the real situation. This video shows the real and shocking impact of spring hunting on birds and anyone attempting to enjoy the countryside, it serves as a reminder to all of us of the intolerance, vandalism and killing associated with spring hunting” he said.

A report compiled by the Shout campaign lays down extreme examples of violence and vandalism in the last ten years. He report highlights fourteen incidents of significant violence against people, sixteen incidents of vandalism against tress, nature reserves or property as well as nine major incidents of threats and harassment against members of the public or volunteers.

Campaign spokesperson Moira Delia stressed that the public should not forget about cases such as rare marsh harriers targeted at night while resting, and the flamingoes, storks and balaclava clad hunter caught shooting birds in the Forest 2000 bird sanctuary. She stressed that the upcoming referendum was the result of 44,000 signatures from members of the public – irrelevant of their political beliefs.

“Birds should be allowed to continue their voyage towards Northern Europe. Should the yes vote win, such cases of killing, intimidation and violence will be repeated,” she continued.

 

Asked whether the yes camp could possibly be financed by a political party, Mr Sultana chose not to comment, simply saying that regardless of how they are being financed, members of the yes camp are putting on a mask in an attempt to hide the real truth about spring hunting.