BirdLife Malta has said that “in response to our Complaint, Acting Police Commissioner Carmelo Magri says it is not his remit to establish if hunting licences were issued ultra vires, indirectly suggesting issue is taken to Court.”

BirdLife Malta had submitted a Complaint on Wednesday requesting the withdrawal of hunting licences which, it said, “were issued illegally by the Ministry for Gozo,” Acting Police Commissioner Carmelo Magri replied that the “Police do not have any authority to take action in this regard as requested by BirdLife Malta.”

BLM stated that “in his response the Acting Police Commissioner explained how it is not his responsibility to establish whether the hunting licences have been issued by the Gozo Ministry beyond its power or authority (ultra vires).”

He continued by saying that “if he had to do so, this would be over and above his powers, since the duty of the police is to enforce laws enacted by the competent authorities,” said BirdLife.

Whilst stopping short of saying that BirdLife Malta should take this issue to Court, it said that the Acting Police Commissioner concluded by “suggesting that the state has ad hoc institutions which are legally empowered to verify the validity of laws.”

BirdLife Malta said that “in view of this reply we are now seeking advice on the best way forward to address the issue at the Law Courts.”

BirdLife Malta concluded by reiterating its position that “no spinning of facts or intimidation will stop it from doing what is within its legal rights as part of civil society and that its only interest is the protection of the natural environment for the benefit of the common good.”

File photo: BirdLife Malta

Permalink: BLM “seeking best way forward” on Compliant, as Police dismiss it