Several organisations yesterday issued statements condemning the violent attacks against journalists, photographers and the police by members of the Hunters and Trappers Association (FKNK) during a protest organised by the association on Wednesday.
In its statement, the Labour Party strongly condemned the attacks that took place and pointed out that while it agreed with any form of peaceful protest, these violent acts could never be tolerated and those who committed them gave a bad name to the others.
“It is unacceptable that members of the media are threatened while doing their job, or even worse, physically attacked,” it said.
The Labour Party added it was unacceptable that the police were not allowed to carry out their duties in keeping the public peace.
However, it said, the few individuals who were involved in the attacks did not reflect the good carried out by the majority of FKNK members.
In a strongly-worded statement, BirdLife Malta executive director Tolga Temuge condemned the violent acts committed by the hunters on photographers, journalists and the police.
“It was obvious that this was going to happen. FKNK’s press statements and website over the last few months acted as a channel for these actions to be encouraged,” said Mr Temuge.
He pointed out that BirdLife had filed a report to the police demanding immediate investigation and action almost a month ago.
BirdLife Malta also expressed its anger regarding the decision taken by Minister of Rural Affairs and the Environment George Pullicino to officially announce the opening of another season for hunting and trapping in spring.
“This is the fourth consecutive breach of EU law. Furthermore, the minister also extended the dates for trapping recommended by the Ornis committee, giving in to hunters’ demands,” he said.
Mr Temuge added that several hunters were seen carrying shotguns – a clear violation of Legal Notice 79 that prohibits the carrying of shotguns out of their case outside the hunting season and in places where hunting is not allowed.
Birdlife urged the government to keep a close eye on the hunters and trappers who will use the open season as a blanket to kill protected species.
“If it fails to do so, it will clearly show that it is not capable of allowing spring hunting under the strict supervision Mr Pullicino claims can be enforced,” said Mr Temuge. “We are also demanding that the government guarantees the safety of its citizens who have the right to enjoy the spring migration and their countryside peacefully.”
In another statement, the Professionals and Services Employees Union (PSEU) also spoke out against the violent attacks that took place.
PSEU president Karmenu Vella said it was unacceptable under any circumstance that people who were carrying out their duty were threatened and assaulted.
Mr Vella added that the FKNK should condemn these attacks and identify the aggressors so the police would be able to take the necessary measures.
The PSEU also expressed its solidarity with journalists Julia Farrugia from Illum, Brandon Pisani from l-orizzont, photographers Ben Borg Cardona from The Malta Independent, Darrin Zammit Lupi from The Times/Reuters, Ray Attard from Illum, and all the police officers who were injured in the violent attacks.