Updated | ‘Handful’ arrested over Sunday’s protest, police confirm no permit issued

A “handful” of persons have been arrested the police over Sunday’s protests which saw some 200 hunters protesting in Valletta against the hunting ban, burning flags and assaulting birdwatchers in Buskett.

Informed sources said the hunters, around 15, were called in for questioning earlier this morning.

"A number of people are actively assisting the police with their investigations," the Police's communications office told MaltaToday.

The police also confirmed that no permits were issued for the protest.

Thirteen birdwatchers from green NGO BirdLife Malta were attacked by hunters at Buskett following an illegal protest in Valletta. An elderly Maltese birdwatcher was surrounded by seven hunters and beaten up before having his camera taken away and destroyed, while another BirdLife birdwatcher was also assaulted by a group of hunters.

The hunters – some of whom were seen wearing camouflage clothes, and FKNK shirts – gathered at City Gate before making their way to Republic Street. They then stopped in front of the Labour Party club and started hurling insults at the Labour Party and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Hunters federation FKNK insisted it had nothing to do with the protest but blamed government for its “hasty and incorrect” decision to close the season “based on false reports”.