Friends of the Earth Malta welcomed the recent Government decision to temporarily close the autumn hunting season until Friday 10th October. FoE Malta believes that this was a courageous step in the right direction, following the daily reports of illegal hunting during this migration season.

Friends of the Earth Malta categorically condemns the violent episodes witnessed during today’s haphazardly organised protest by a group of hunters during which a journalist and photographer were attacked. This was followed by other shocking reports of birdwatchers being attacked and intimidated at Buskett – a bird sanctuary. It urges the law enforcing authorities to take action against the perpetrators of these violent actions. FoE Malta called for investigations with regards to the authenticity of the image showing a hunter brandishing a gun in front of parliament and also whether the necessary permits where obtained in order to organise this event.

Friends of the Earth Malta also reaffirmed its position that the referendum for the abolition of spring hunting must take place in March 2015, before the next spring hunting season is scheduled to take place.