Four sentenced for 2014 hunting protest

Four of the nine hunters who were charged in connection with the organisation of an illegal pro-hunting protest in Valletta on Independence Day two years ago have been sentenced after pleading guilty.

The men had been arraigned after allegedly taking part in an illegal protest which involved about 200 hunters, at City Gate on 21 September 2014, sparked by the government’s decision to close the hunting season early following the killing of a number of protected species.

Sometime later that day, a group of 30 hunters attacked 13 BirdLife birdwatchers.

Arnold Farrugia, 23, of Dingli; Brian Grech, 23, of Rabat; David Spagnol, 46, of Marsascala; Gabriel Farrugia, 21, of Mosta; Krist Callus, 25, of Zurrieq; Alan Mizzi, 24, of Zebbug, Gozo; Simon Camilleri, 28, of Zabbar; Oliver Borg, 44, of Marsascala; and Josmar Buhagiar, 30, of Zabbar; had initially denied charges of forming part of the illegal protest during which they showed disrespect towards the government, conspiring to commit a crime, inciting others to break the law, and insulting the prime minister.

In a sitting before magistrate Anthony Vella yesterday, lawyer Lucio Sciriha informed the court that Arnold Farrugia, Alan Mizzi, Gabriel Farrugia and Josmar Buhagiar wished to change their plea and file an admission.

Arnold Farrugia was conditionally discharged for three years and fined €700; Alan Mizzi was handed a 2-year conditional discharge and a €100 fine for throwing a 2-litre water bottle from the balcony of the PL club in Republic street. 

Gabriel Farrugia was placed on probation for three years and fined €700 for wielding an imitation shotgun. Josmar Buhagiar was conditionally discharged for a year.