Protesters have occupied the open square in front of the Office of the Prime Minister in Valletta to complain about the way the government gave public land in the north of Malta to hunters.

The sit-down protest is organised by Spazji Miftuha, a coalition of 60 organisations that include the likes of BirdLife, Moviment Graffiti and Extinction Rebellion to name a few.

The protestors have come together out of frustration and concern of what the Government has been doing to Malta and Gozo’s natural and cultural heritage, and calling for more open spaces and to value nature.

Participants, all wearing face masks and abiding by social distancing, have sat down on the ground in the square, with a few protestors playing drums.

Earlier this month, behind closed doors and with no press call, the government signed a management agreement with FKNK over L-Ahrax and Mizieb.

Transport Minister Ian Borg, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius presided over the signing of two agreements between the Lands Authority and hunters’ federation FKNK and the Environment Resources Authority (ERA).

This brought about outrage and frustration amongst the general public.

A protest had already taken place in Mizieb, on what was meant to be the original date of the signing of the agreement. A number of people decided to organise peaceful walks at both Mizieb and Ahrax and found heavy police presence at the scene.

On the sister island, Xterra Malta participants have also joined in the ‘sit down’ protest at the start of the Ultramarathon, believing it is the public’s duty to raise awareness of the importance of the environment.

Six environmental organizations have filed court cases against the government regarding the signing of the Mizieb and Ahrax deal. The NGOs are BirdLife Malta, Moviment Graffiti, Din L-Art Helwa, Friends of The Earth Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar and The Rambler's Association of Malta. Two separate court actions representing the parties were filed in front of th Tribunal for Administration Revision on Thursday.

Photos: Birdlife