Police question Astrid Vella over Bahrija comments
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Astrid Vella, Coordinator of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) has been questioned by the police over an alleged libel following investigations carried out by Ramblers Association, FAA and NatureTrust into the permit granted by MEPA for a house to be built in the Bahrija protected area.
FAA said the fact that civil society volunteers who are taking an interest in the way that authorities operate on the Island are faced with criminal investigations is to be deplored. The NGO said that this action is nothing more than bullying meant to intimidate NGOs into silence which is a clear violation of the Aarhus Convention provisions on harassment of environmental activists to which Malta is a signatory.
FAA said is very disappointed that in a country that claims democratic values and where free speech is an institutional right, we should come to this over a libel suit. Civil society volunteers should never be criminally investigated by the police for expressing opinions on matters of public interest.
The NGO said there is even less justification in this particular case where the NGOs’ stand has furthermore been vindicated by the MEPA Auditor’s report on the Bahrija case. MEPA Auditor, Joe Falzon, has told The Times that the last permit issued in relation to the project clearly ran against the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s policy and should have never been given. He also expressed doubts over the previous permits related to the Bahrija development.
FAA said this legal action is not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society and reflects poorly on the architect-politician who demanded a police investigation. Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar condemns this waste of Police time and taxpayer’s money.
The FAA committee reiterated that it does do not have anything to hide and whatever we have to say will be said in Court. FAA said it will be filing a complaint regarding harassment in breach of international protocol with the Geneva office of the Aarhus Convention.
Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar
Photo shows: Astrid Vella, Coordinator of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar entering Sliema Police Station carrying a copy of The Times with the MEPA Auditor’s comments that the Bahrija permit is not valid.
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Astrid, we are all behind you (except for perhaps a few baddies)! Please don’t let nasty journalists and the ‘powers-that-be’ bully you and your team or other NGOs such as the Ramblers Association or NatureTrust. This country would be in an even greater mess if it weren’t for people of your ilk who stand up and make people aware of wrongdoings in the environment and other spheres. Freedom of Speech is a vital part of the Constitution and is something that every citizen should demand!
What is happening now is truly a waste of tax-payers money and police resources! Not to mention Ms. Vella’s time
I agree with everything you have said here Lesley but I would just add one thing on a positive note and that is what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. If these idiots think they are going to silence Astrid Vella as a person or the FAA as an organisation they are living on another planet. Astrid, the FAA and all the other NGO’s will come out of this in a much stronger position than they are in now.
Astrid should be given Gieh R Rebubblika not being treated like a criminal .
If it wasn1t for Astrid and her group a lot of open spaces would have been ruined .
Don`t worry Astrid when you need us just call us so we will show our FULL support .
Remember one thing when SAVE GOZO was organized .That was the begining of a new era .
@ Mr Tyrrell and Lesley Keep on giving us your support from where you are .We know that you are much more genuine than some ///////////
VIVA Astrid Vella
We as Gozitans love her to SAVE GOZO, we support you.