Anti-spring hunting campaigners were verbally abused by a hunter during a press conference in Birkirkara yesterday, and leaflets they were distributing were set on fire.

The incident occurred when a young female activist was approached by an individual who proceeded to threaten her and hurl insults, forcing bystanders, including members of the press, to step in to try to calm the situation down.

A man was later seen walking by with a stack of campaign leaflets that had been set on fire.

“We utterly condemn this kind of bullying and harassment,” said No campaign spokesman Mark Sultana. “The referendum is a democratic process and the hunters need to respect that. People should be free to discuss this issue without fear and intimidation.”

The incident follows another earlier this week, when No activists reportedly suffered intimidation from a group of hunters while carrying out a door-to-door campaign in Birkirkara. “We know people are aware that the hunters are not what they are portraying themselves to be. Actions speak louder than words and they have proved it again today when they let their mask slip,” said Mr Sultana.

“Over the last years we have seen criminal activities by hunters, including prominent members of the FKNK. Take a look at the specific acts of violence, vandalism and more importantly at the hunters’ indiscriminate shooting practices in spring, which are well documented.”

Mr Sultana also reiterated what Justice Giovanni Bonello had said at a campaign event on Friday, insisting that “the scare campaign that this referendum will lead to the abolition of other activities is simply untrue”.

Calling on Birkirkara residents, who will not be voting in local council elections, to cast their votes in the April 11 referendum, he said the No camp was running a positive campaign to give the country back to the people and to give birds the chance to migrate and return to their breeding grounds.