FAA coordinator questioned over Bahrija allegations
Astrid Vella, coordinator of Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA), was questioned at the Sliema police station yesterday after architect Robert Musumeci had asked the police to investigate allegations she made over the granting of a permit by Mepa for the construction of a farmhouse in Bahrija.
Mr Musumeci instituted a libel suit against Ms Vella over the allegations.
She has described the criminal investigation as "bullying" that was meant to "intimidate" voluntary organisations. She claimed it was a clear violation of the Aarhus Convention provisions on harassment of environmental activists to which Malta was a signatory.
The Times reported yesterday that Mepa auditor Joe Falzon concluded that the last permit issued in relation to the controversial project went against Mepa policy and should have never been granted.
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D Camilleri
Jul 18th 2009, 20:23
keep it up Astrid,
This charade does nothing but show these peoples true credentials, they think they can silence the public, but I can assure you, the people are all behind you, and wont forget this.
A Fabri
Jul 18th 2009, 19:15
Thumbs up Asrid!! Just Thumbs Up!!
I admire you for your gutz and sense of sincerity & rightness.
P.Cassar
Jul 18th 2009, 12:37
Have we really come to this under Gonzipn???
Astrid Vella
Jul 18th 2009, 11:25
I would like to make it clear that the reference to bullying and intimidation did not refer to the police handling of the case.A police enquiry is never pleasant and also a waste of time for both us &the police,however it must be said that the police handled it with the utmost courtesy.
No,the attempt to bully and intimidate civil society into silence has come from other sources and confirms that we are a two-tier society,where some of those who wield power expect that they can get away with that which is not allowed to the ordinary layman.It has always been this way in Malta, and those who challenge the status quo are bound to face the music.
FAA does not consider itself above the law.I have replied to the Police questioning when I had every right to remain silent.I have never denied that I wrote the comment in question. On the other hand, using the police to institute a criminal enquiry is really overdoing it and just shows how some people would like to quash free speech and any form of dissention at all costs.