It was with absolute horror that I read in the English newspapers on 23 June that Astrid Vella was being sued by architect Robert Musumeci.

As the majority of free-thinking Maltese and Gozitans are aware, Ms Vella and the FAA, as well as other NGOs, are doing an amazing amount of good in trying to protect what little is left of the heritage of this group of islands. It is to the country’s shame that such people and organisations are necessary.

I was under the impression that there is freedom of speech in the Republic of Malta, in fact, I know that it is part of the constitution, so where is it?

Why is it that Ms Vella’s comment was selected from the many other – mostly negative – comments by Mr Musumeci? Does he have a problem with what he is doing? Does he want to gag Ms Vella and the FAA? Or is he merely seeking publicity?

The fact that an officially registered service provider – in this case an architect – can openly boast about obtaining permission to build where others have failed is simply disgusting. That MEPA even considers applications made by this person is unbelievable. As far as I am concerned he should be struck off whatever register architects are on and banned from public duty!

It appears too that he, together with many MEPA officials, find it difficult to understand what Out of Development Zone (ODZ) refers to – perhaps they should all go back to school?

In supporting such cases, it is about time that the Government realises that it is ruling a country which is a member of the European Union, i.e. a westernised, ostensibly civilised, country and not a 3rd world dictatorship! The legal system should also be aware of this fact and act accordingly.

Lesley Gail Kreupl

Gharb