A number of journalists were attacked on Wednesday in a protest staged by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) in Valletta. The government, Malta Labour Party (MLP), Journalists’ Committee, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) and Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) condemned the attacks in which some journalists were threatened, assaulted and injured by demonstrators who took to the streets demanding that their queries about their hunting and trapping are answered. Some Police officers were also attacked during the protest.

One journalist, Darrin Zammit Lupi was hospitalized for injuries he sustained during the attack according to the IĠM. In turn, the Committee reported that one photographer's camera was stolen, while a cameraman's camera was broken by demonstrators.

 In a statement the government noted that “While everyone is free to express his or her opinion, nobody is to assault others. The right of Police and the press to carry out their duties without violence should be respected by everybody."

The MLP also expressed its criticism of the incidents stating that “While the MLP agrees with all forms of pacific protesting, however it strongly condemns incidents involving media members as well as members of the Police corps. The party insists that these acts cannot be tolerated.” The party added that the actions of the few FKNK members who stirred up trouble on Wednesday dishonour other members of the Federation.

“These attacks are totally unacceptable and we insist that immediate measures are taken against the aggressors”, said the Journalists’ Committee Chairman Karl Schembri in a statement. “We insist that the organisers of the protests take a clear stand against violent and anti-democratic behaviour, condemn the incidents with both words and action as well as help authorities prosecute those responsible of the aggressions.”

While reitirating the Journalists's Committe message for justice,  the IĠM stated that “Every now and again the monster of violence arises against journalists especially during topical public events. We deplore the fact that in a democratic society, where the right of freedom of expression is to be respected, such behaviour still takes place.”

Alternattiva Demokratika (AD)  also expressed its solidarity with journalists who were injure din the attacks. AD also said that whilst it understood "that it was only some hunters who acted  violently", it believes it is about time that the FKNK starts monitoring its members, "and make sure that thugs are not allowed to act in such ways".

Thousands of hunters protested in Valletta, with President of the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) Joe Buttigieg ordering the 7,000 hunters and trappers eligible to vote in Saturday’s local council elections to answer the government with their ballot if it fails to reply to their queries concerning their past-time.

Hunters gathered near the City Gate at around 1800CET, waving banners bearing slogans of protest. The hunters were only allowed to march down Republic Street and into Pjazza Reġina because they did not have the required permit to stage the protest, reported PBS. A number of streets were barricaded in a bid to avoid trouble.

Police officers and the Anti-Riot Police were present on location.

The Federation presented separate letters to the Government and Opposition. The FKNK appealed to the Prime Minister to retain promises made to hunters and trappers prior to the 2003 referendum and election by actuating the amends to the legal notice 79/2006. The amends as agreed by the government reflect the Birds’ directive of the European Unions, said the Federation in a statement. The Federation also called on the Opposition to clarify its stance with regard to hunting and trapping.