Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar this evening produced pictures of human bones found beneath Valletta's Casa Lanfreducci, backing its claim that this had been a burial ground and should not be converted into changing rooms for the new open theatre on the Opera House site.
It noted that on January 14 the Infrastructure Ministry denied that the house had been built on burial grounds.
"Far from being ‘romantic speculation’ on FAA’s part, as alleged by the ministry, the facts bear out FAA’s claim that the crypt of Our Lady of Victory originally extended horizontally beneath Casa Lanfreducci," the NGO said in a statement.
"FAA’s concern about a burial ground being converted to changing facilities is shown to be correct by photographic proof in FAA’s possession, showing several boxes of human bones which had been exhumed from the Lanfreducci basement-crypt and piled in boxes in the same basement. Forensic tests which had been carried out show that these remains date back to the time of the Great Siege."
It said the location of the bones was also backed by video footage.
"It is of concern that the boxes containing the bones are no longer on site. In its press release the Ministry maintained that “in the unlikely event that anything specific is found”, it would respect the normal legal process. This “unlikely event” already materialised some time ago with the discovery of the human remains," the FAA said.
"With this proof in hand, proof which is available to several others including the ministry concerned as well the Prime Minister, the proposal to use this site as changing facilities for the “open-air performance space” should never have even been proposed let alone considered for inclusion in a planning application," FAA said.
"FAA trusts that the Ministry will respect the dignity of the site and would welcome the correct use for cultural purposes of such an important site and looks forward to its proper evaluation and eventual rehabilitation."
It suggested that the basement should be returned to the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to restore the site up to museum standards, giving access to the public.