Local Activist Cami Appelgren Files Police Report Over ‘Attack By Three Maltese Hunters’
Local environmental activist and HPF ranger Cami Appelgren has opened up about being “attacked by three hunters” while off duty yesterday evening, filing a police report on the matter.
In a Facebook post, she detailed how the alleged attack happened in the areas of Rabat, while she was making her way home together with a minor in her car.
“Yesterday, late in the evening, I was subject to an unprovoked attack by three trappers/hunters whilst I was off duty, on my way home in my vehicle, and with a minor,” Appelgren claimed on social media.
“One of the accused jumped out of nowhere and stopped me from continuing driving, whilst two of his, what seemed to be, acquaintances pulled up with a car behind me.”
“The individual aggressively delivered a message (verbally) that he considered me not to be allowed to pass from the area (a public main road) with my vehicle, also delivering a threat jeopardising my safety.”
“All this was done although I clearly informed them to let me go due to having a minor with me in the vehicle who clearly was scared and fearing for my and their, safety.”
Appelgren took a moment to thank the officer who responded to her situation for her compassion in this moment of turbulence, as well as the officers at the Rabat police station.
“Yes. It’s indeed part of my job as a ranger to handle individuals whom I take to court for offenses. It’s expected a certain amount of aggressiveness (although never ok).”
“But attacks like the one yesterday, where I am blocked by individuals who claim public land and intimidate and threaten me is a whole other thing that I under no circumstances will accept.”
“I was not in uniform. I had no ranger gear. I was not looking anywhere else than on the road. I did not put myself in the way of such an attack.”
In light of the attack, Appelgren has filed a report with the Aarhaus Convention, which is the global treaty responsible for dealing with environmental and human-related concerns.
Appelgren also assured that the accused individuals will be charged in Court by police, where she will hand over the evidence secured.
“If this is related to my previous posts about the topic of bird callers and the fact that such were heard in the area at that time? I’ll leave that unsaid.”
She also called on the government to close any loopholes in the environmental laws that trigger this sense of impunity among offenders.
BirdLife Malta has also released a statement on the matter and “condemned yesterday evening’s act of aggression on Cami Appelgren by what seem to be three Golden Plover trappers”.
“We stand in solidarity with Appelgren and thank her for her hard work in protecting nature. She is an inspiration to us all, especially those who have had their own share of abuse (both verbal and physical) by those who believe they are above the law.”
What do you make of these claims?
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