PM distances himself from Jason Micallef threat to podcaster amid backlash

Updated 3pm with Prime Minister's comments

Robert Abela has distanced himself from Jason Micallef's threat to sue podcaster Trudy Kerr saying the issue should "not go to court".

Micallef's online attack on Kerr over her criticism of works at Ta’ Qali has sparked a backlash, with political parties, activists and environmental groups accusing him of intimidation and “threatening tactics.”

Questioned by journalists about the debacle, the prime minister distanced himself from the feud, saying both had the right to express themselves freely.

"If it were me in the situation, no, I would not have taken it to court. I would give my version of events, the other person would give their version of events and then let the general public decide," Abela said.

Micallef, who heads the Ta’ Qali National Park management, pledged to take Kerr to court after she shared a video decrying the state of the park after parts of it were covered in a mixture of gravel and sand. 

He has previously explained that the park was covered in fine material to stop dust in the summer, that the practice was to provide a layer of protection for the soil, and said grass will still grow once it starts raining again.

There was a wave of support for Kerr following the threat of legal action. 

The Nationalist Party said it expressed full solidarity with Kerr and with others who have spoken out against the works.

It called on Abela to condemn what it described as intimidation, instead of dismissing the controversy as a “miscommunication issue,” as he had done on Wednesday.

Momentum said Micallef is spreading his “signature brand of intimidation” and expressed its solidarity with Kerr, who it described as a widely respected and accomplished digital creator.

Momentum also said it filed a Freedom of Information request on the Ta’ Qali gravel. Party general secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said the FOI request seeks to clarify the exact process that led to this “damaging decision”.

PN MP Claudette Buttigieg cynically applauded Micallef for his comments: "Well done Jason Micallef. We needed a reminder as to how well PL manages women who have the courage to say the truth. My full support to Trudy Kerr," she said. 

The Malta Ranger Unit said Micallef could have met the criticism with a factual response.

Instead, Micallef not only belittled her, he also threatened to take her to court for voicing her environmental concerns, the unit said.

"We wish to remind Mr Micallef that it's the right of any citizens of EU members to actively defend the Environment of their countries as per the Aarhus Convention. Government-appointed public servants are by Maltese law required to treat the citizens/residents with respect."

It said it expected Micallef remove his post with the threat and apologise for his actions. 

Actor and activist Thomas Camilleri, who first raised the issue, wrote: "He (Micallef) knows exactly what he’s doing because by picking on her, he can rely on the anger and xenophobia of his blind followers - the comments under his post are disgusting. Please note that Trudy is a Maltese citizen - so much for telling her to go back to her own country."

Meanwhile, podcaster Jon Mallia had pledged €1,000 and is raising funds to help Kerr with her legal case, should Micallef go ahead. 

Vuċi Kollettiva has also organised a protest at the picnic site to be held on Saturday.