Repubblika expresses its solidarity with the volunteers of the Malta Ranger Unit and BirdLife Malta, who have been ridiculed and slandered.
The issue is not merely that supporters of a political party chose to mock environmental organisations that dedicate their time and energy to protecting wildlife and enforcing environmental laws. What is particularly concerning is that the former Parliamentary Secretary responsible for animal rights chose to justify this conduct and then sought to place on the same moral plane those who break laws protecting animals and the environment and those who volunteer to defend them.
No Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights can reasonably be expected to remain neutral between those who shoot protected animals and those who work to protect them. No public official should be neutral between lawbreakers and those who assist in enforcing the law.
It is particularly irresponsible for a former minister to repeat unsubstantiated allegations against environmental volunteers without providing any evidence to support them. Public officials have a duty to uphold the facts and protect those who act in the public interest, not to undermine them.
The Malta Ranger Unit and BirdLife Malta provide an important public service, often at considerable personal risk. The least they are entitled to expect is that politicians who have failed to ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws do not exacerbate the hostility directed against them.
The remarks attributed to Alicia Bugeja Said reveal a troubling contempt for civil society and for citizens who volunteer to protect our natural heritage. Repubblika will continue to stand with those who defend the rule of law, protect our environment, and serve the public interest, despite intimidation, bullying, and slander.