Michael Falzon non-committal on hunting situation

Opposition spokesman Michael Falzon this week alleged that police were in league with foreigners who "illegally" used a drone plane to spy on hunters.

An avid hunter, Falzon said this in Parliament on Wednesday. He asked for explanations from the police, the civil aviation and customs departments as to how this drone entered and was used in Malta. Falzon said the authorities must make it clear whether the drone had the necessary permits and licences to enter the country and to be used.

Asked by MaltaToday to explain what he meant by "illegal use", Falzon said that everyone has a right to private property, and this should be protected.

"I have also spoken to a number of Constitutional experts and legal experts on this matter and they have expressed serious doubts on the legality of the activity," Falzon told MaltaToday. Asked how he would deal with the hunting situation if the Labour Party is elected to government and he is made home affairs minister, Falzon said: "This is a matter of the party's electoral programme, so I cannot comment."

Earlier this month, the hunters' federation decided to press charges against CABS - the German-based Committee Against Bird Slaughter - for filming hunters and trappers without their consent through the use of a remote controlled aircraft. In the past days, CABS have made use to the aircraft, equipped with a camera, to keep an eye on any illegal hunting or trapping.

One of the gadgets used by the watchdog was reportedly shot down by the hunters in the area of Zabbar.

Speaking in parliament, Falzon said the government was discriminating against hunters by not treating all citizens in the same way. He said the German-owned drone plane had the blessing of the Maltese authorities and alleged that it was allowed to fly over and land on private property in breach of the law.