IĠM, the Association of Maltese Journalists, has condemned the threat of legal action made against podcaster Trudy Kerr by the head of the Ta' Qali National Park agency, Jason Micallef.

"As a public official, Mr Micallef should know better than to use the threat of legal action when faced with criticism and genuine concerns over the decision to place gravel and fine sand at the Ta' Qali picnic area. Instead of hitting out at people exercising their right to free speech, he should have communicated the reasons for the action taken at Ta' Qali picnic area in a clear and transparent manner."

"It is unacceptable that people in public office like Mr Micallef feel empowered to threaten critics with court action. This is nothing short of an attempt to bully critics into silence and thus constitutes an attack on freedom of expression."

 While expressing solidarity with Ms Kerr, "the IĠM expects the minister to whom Mr Micallef is answerable to put a stop to this behaviour and ensure that it does not repeat itself."