Every civilised country in the world perceives certain areas that should be treated as "national treasures" and it is the responsibility of environmental and conservation organisations to actively campaign on behalf of these special places. We hold Baħrija as one of these special places and the Ramblers' Association will not be deterred or intimidated by any false accusations in its mission to protect and conserve the Maltese countryside and coastal zones.

It is preposterous that a prominent citizen, a leading member of a political party, and a lawyer by profession to define an extremely peaceful protest walk held last month in Baħrija as "mob rule" (July 2), a blatant affront to the democratic process of our country. As president of the Ramblers Association, coordinators of this orderly manifestation against the impending rape of Baħrija Valley, I feel saddened and aggrieved by Victor Scerri's statement.

The Collins English Dictionary defines "mob" as a derogatory term, "a riotous or disorderly crowd of people; a rabble" and Dr Scerri's insistence on calling the protest as "mob rule" borders on the libellous.

Those who heeded our call, and these included MEPs, MPs and supporters from the whole political spectrum, have all been slighted by Dr Scerri's unwarranted and offensive attitude.

It is most unfortunate that in spite of RAM's cautious stance at all times, Dr Scerri has opted to be defiant and aggressive rather than conciliatory.