As Birdlife CEO, Mark Sultana is often at the receiving end of hate speech, but the comments took a turn for the worse when his father, well-known environmentalist Joe Sultana, passed away last year.
The FKNK hunters' federation had expressed its condolences to the family of Joe Sultana, who was also the Birdlife Malta founder. Not all hunters appeared to share the federation's views, with Chris Mercieca saying he hoped the veteran ornithologist did not rest in peace.
Facebook user Alex Jessica Borg, meanwhile, expressed hope that others like the late Mr Sultana will follow suit.
Meanwhile, Glen Gatt, one of the people spewing hate at Mark Sultana said that thinking hunters would aim better if they thought their targets were Birdlife activists.
The comments do not always bother Mr Sultana, but he believes they are actually offensive to those who wrote them.
People should always take into consideration the impact that their comments could leave on their own image, he said.
“I believe people who show care and respect even when in disagreement, are admired more than those who use obscene and hateful rhetoric.”
Mr Sultana is participating in a #stophate speech campaign which for the last month has seen personalities reading out the hate messages they receive on social media.
The project also seeks to raise awareness of the impact hate speech can have on its recipients and the responsibilities that come with freedom of speech.
Have you been a victim of hate speech? Send us an email on mynews@timesofmalta.com
Other #stophate videos:
Watch: ‘I wish migrants would rape your wife’ - Peppi Azzopardi
Watch: ‘You will go down like Daphne’ - Godfrey Farrugia
Watch: 'I have a bullet ready for you' - Lara Dimitrijevic
Watch: An assault rifle bullet... the cure for a gay man - Chucky Bartolo