NGOs slam Bugeja Said's unsupported claim that Malta Ranger Unit enters private properties

NGOs slammed elected PL candidate Alicia Bugeja Said for false claims against the Malta Ranger Unit.

In comments to the Times, Bugeja Said was responding to questions regarding a rubbish bin affixed to a celebratory truck with a banner promoting her. Stickers referencing the PN, Malta Ranger Unit (MRU), and BirdLife were stuck to the bin.

While she defended the freedom of expression of those who decorated the trailer, Bugeja Said alleged, without explaining further, that there were instances where the MRU entered private property without permission. 

The MRU is an NGO that roams Malta’s countryside and seas to document, report, and prevent environmental crimes, which range from illegal hunting and trapping, illegal dumping, and illegal development.

On Monday, the MRU published its evidence on a case of illegal development in Mellieħa, as the Planning Authority simply issued fines and left the developer to keep building.

In a statement, Momentum said Bugeja Said’s claim was unsubstantiated, and called on the elected candidate to provide evidence of her claims.

Momentum argued that environmental rangers have faced verbal abuse and hostility in recent years and criticised Bugeja Said for what it described as a failure to publicly defend them. The party said that volunteers involved in environmental enforcement and monitoring play an important role in protecting natural habitats and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Momentum argued that the volunteers often undertake responsibilities that state authorities have struggled to enforce effectively.

Meanwhile, Repubblika condemned Bugeja Said’s statement, as it slammed what it described as an attempt to equate individuals accused of breaching environmental and wildlife protection laws with volunteers who assist in monitoring and reporting such violations.

The NGO also objected to what it described as unsubstantiated allegations made against environmental volunteers, arguing that public figures have a responsibility to support claims with evidence and to protect citizens acting in the public interest.

The organisation said the comments attributed to Bugeja Said reflected what it characterised as a dismissive attitude towards civil society organisations and volunteers involved in environmental protection.