SHout has said that its campaign supporters gathering for a press conference in Birkirkara today, “were verbally abused by hunters, and had their leaflets set on fire front of the church.”

The ‘no’ campaigners were in Birkirkara to address the press and distribute leaflets to members of the public when a young female activist was approached by a hunter. “Others stepped in to try and calm the situation down but the young woman was left quite shaken. Hunters then took SHout campaign flyers and set fire to them,” the organisers said.

SHout campaign spokesperson Mark Sultana said, “we utterly condemn this kind of bullying and harassment. The referendum is a democratic process and the hunters need to respect that. People should be free to discuss this issue without fear and intimidation.”

Mark explained that the campaigners had been in the town, Malta’s most populous, to reiterate three important messages that had been the features of their campaign that week. “One of those messages is that we know people are aware that the hunters are not what they are portraying themselves to be, actions speak louder than words and they have proved it again today when they let their mask slip.”

Mark continued, “over the last years we have seen criminal activities by hunters which has also included prominent members of the FKNK. Take a look at the specific acts of violence, vandalism and more importantly at the hunter’s indiscriminate shooting practises in Spring, which are well documented.”

During the press conference itself, Mark Sultana also said, “I would like to repeat what former Justice Giovanni Bonello said yesterday evening – the scare campaign that this referendum will lead to the abolition of other activities is simply untrue.”

He added, “I invite voters to listen to what he had to say on some occasions and to judge for yourselves.” Mark explained that SHout wanted Birkirkara residents, who will not be having local council elections, to appreciate how important their votes are to bring about change.”

Mark Sultana concluded, “change is what being positive is all about, we are a positive campaign which wants to give the country back to the people and the birds the chance to migrate and return to their breeding grounds. That is why SHout is appealing to the people in all of Malta and Gozo to go out and Vote No on April 11th.”

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