The Malta Environment and Planning Authority refers to the article in your newspaper of 27 January in which the Hon. Adrian Vassallo is reported as accusing a Mepa officer of “persecuting” him for having suggested that the live protected birds in Dr Vassallo’s possession should be confiscated and released into the wild.

The Mepa officer in question was assisting the prosecution in a case brought before the law courts by the Police and made the above suggestion in reply to a question posed to him by the magistrate.

It is regrettable that Dr Vassallo should use his high profile as a Member of Parliament to publicly deride and name a public official who was carrying out his duty.

Peter Gingell

Communications Manager

Malta Environment & Planning Authority