At least three people will be charged in court accused of sending a text message calling on hunters to arm themselves and take part in a protest this morning at Ta’ Qali – a meeting the police described as illegal.

During a press conference at Police Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat said that a text message – which had probably been in circulation since Thursday – called on hunters to meet this morning in Ta’ Qali at 10 am.

The SMS, which was in Maltese read as follows:

“A large carcade and an impressive protest will be held on Sunday at 10 am, the migration season is here and we can’t go out, tempers are going to flare and we will destroy this country. Bring metal, wood, stones, knives, petrol and matches. Send this message to all those you know, don’t hold back from spending 5c. Everyone meets at Ta’ Qali at 10.”

“Carcade kbir u protesta spetakolari nhar il-Hadd fl-10, waslet il-passa u ma nistawx nohorgu, ic-cineg dalwaqt ser jaqbzu u dal pajjiz naghmluh trab. Gibu maghkom hadid, injam, gebel, skieken u petrol u sufarini. Ibat dal message lid-delatanti li taf toqoghdx tibki 5c messag. Kulhad niltaqaw ta qalli f10.”

Mr Brincat said the message is illegal as it is incites and encourages people to perform unlawful actions.

He said the police did not receive any request for any form of protest, meeting or carcade to take place today – nor was any permission granted.

“Whoever attends this meeting tomorrow will be breaking the law – these types of messages will not be tolerated,” said the Assistant Commissioner.

He explained that the police began investigating immediately and a number of computers, mobile phones and protected species were confiscated.

The police have arrested a number of people involved with the text message and they will be charged in court in the coming days.

Mr Brincat referred to the press conference held by the Hunters Federation (FKNK) on Friday, which categorically denied that any form of protest would take place today.

“These messages are illegal and it is our duty to investigate them,” he said.

He appealed to the public to contact the police if they have any information that can help them in their investigations and confidentiality is assured. Whoever has any information can contact the police on 112, 2122 4001 and 2122 1111.