Under pressure by EC infringements: Hunters file police reports against BirdLife campaigner

The hunters’ federation has announced it had filed two reports to the police, one of which concerns a media release that Geoffrey Saliba issued “wherein he accused the FKNK of making false statements.”

The report claims Saliba incorrectly stated that FKNK council member David Briffa had been convicted of assaulting and causing injuries to a German birdwatcher from the Campaign Against Bird Slaughter, “when in fact Mr Briffa was acquitted of such charges.”

Earlier this month the FKNK also asked the Data Protection Commissioner to investigate whether Briffa’s privacy had been violated when he was filmed during an argument with the CABS member in Mizieb back on 20 September.

BirdLife Malta and BirdLife International today welcomed the European Commission’s requests to the government to comply with the European Court of Justice ruling on bird hunting.

The Commission said Malta had failed to comply, in particular over legislation permitting future spring hunting seasons for turtle dove and quail.

“Despite being found guilty by the European Court of Justice in September 2009 of breaching the EU Birds Directive by permitting spring hunting between 2004 and 2007, Malta again opened a spring hunting season this year,” BirdLife Malta said.

FKNK council member and assistant general secretary David Briffa was only fined €100 for insulting and hitting CABS media officer Mr Axel Hirschfeld.

Daivd Briffa was charged with violently assaulting a CABS official and causing him slight injury after CABS official Axel Hirsehfeld alleged in court  before Magistrate Anthony Vella, that he was hit on the face by Briffa while the hunter attempted to snatch his camera, to stop him from filming (watch video).

Hirsehfeld explained how Briffa shouted “F*** Germany” numerous times before pursuing him. The incident took place yesterday in a car park near Mizieb, prior to which members from BirdLife and CABS were inspecting the area for dead birds.