Momentum condemns dismissal of Alison Bezzina, denounces political interference in Animal Welfare

Momentum expresses solidarity with Alison Bezzina following the sudden and unexplained termination of her contract as Animal Welfare Commissioner. After five years of dedicated service, Ms. Bezzina was informed her contract would not be renewed, with only one week’s notice and no explanation given.

Momentum firmly believes that the role of Animal Welfare Commissioner is too crucial to be subject to the whims of a political minister. This position must be independent and answerable to Parliament, not to a Minister, to ensure it can function with more autonomy and less political interference.

Ms. Bezzina herself noted that her voice “made some people uncomfortable” and “revealed truths many couldn’t face.” This forces us to ask: Was her principled and effective advocacy for animals becoming an inconvenience for a Minister whose voter base is strongly pro-hunting?

“The shocking dismissal of Alison Bezzina is a significant blow to animal welfare in Malta,” said Katya Compagno, Momentum’s spokesperson. “She was a tireless advocate who, in her own words, treated the role as a ‘mission,’ not just a job. Her sudden removal, without cause or discussion, sends a chilling message to anyone brave enough to speak truth to power. We call for the law to be changed so that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare is a truly independent officer of Parliament, protecting animals without fear or favour.”

Whilst auguring the best to the new Commissioner, Dr Fleur Abela, Momentum thanks Alison Bezzina for her service and her courage. We stand with her and echo her powerful sentiment: “They can take the title, but not the voice.” The fight for animal justice continues.

For those who share this frustration and want to contribute to meaningful change, Momentum invites the public to join its Vision Circle this Saturday 25th October. The meeting will be dedicated specifically to developing policies on animal rights and dignity. This is a crucial opportunity to take action, and build a framework that truly protects those who cannot speak for themselves.

Momentum jikkundanna t-tkeċċija ħabta w sabta ta’ Alison Bezzina, u jikkritika l-indħil politiku fil-Ħarsien tal-Annimali

Momentum jesprimi solidarjetà ma’ Alison Bezzina wara t-terminazzjoni ħabta w sabta u mingħajr spjegazjoni tal-kuntratt tagħha bħala Kummissarju għall-Ħarsien tal-Annimali. Wara ħames snin ta’ servizz siewi, is-Sa Bezzina ġiet infurmata li l-kuntratt tagħha ma kienx se jiġġedded, ġimgħa biss qabel ma jagħlaq, u mingħajr ebda spjegazzjoni.

Momentum jemmen bis-sħiħ li r-rwol ta’ Kummissarju tal-Ħarsien tal-Annimali huwa kruċjali wisq biex ikun soġġett għall-kapriċċi ta’ ministru politiku. Din il-pożizzjoni trid tkun indipendenti u responsabbli lejn il-Parlament, mhux lejn Ministru, biex tiżgura li tista’ tiffunzjona b’iktar awtonomija u inqas indħil politiku.

Is-Sinjura Bezzina nnifisha nnutat li leħinha “għamel lil xi nies skomdi” u “żvela affarijiet li ħafna ma setgħux jiffaċċjaw.” Aħna għalhekk nistaqsu: Il-prinċipji sodi u xogħol effettiv tagħha għall-annimali kien qed isir ta’ inkonvenjent għal Ministru li għandu ħafna nies fid-distrett tiegħu favur il-kaċċa?

“It-tkeċċija xokkanti ta’ Alison Bezzina hija daqqa ta’ ħarta kbira għall-ħarsien tal-annimali f’Malta,” qalet Katya Compagno, il-kelliema ta’ Momentum. “Kienet avukata bla heda li, fi kliemha stess, ittrattat ir-rwol tagħha bħala ‘missjoni,’ mhux biss xogħol. It-tneħħija tagħha ħabta w sabta, mingħajr raġuni jew diskussjoni, tkexkex lil kull min għandu biżżejjed sinsla biex jitkellem anki ma’ min għandu s-setgħa. Nappellaw li l-liġi tinbidel sabiex il-Kummissarju għall-Ħarsien tal-Annimali jkun uffiċjal tassew indipendenti tal-Parlament, li jipproteġi l-annimali mingħajr biża’ jew favur.”

Waqt li jawgura lil Dr Fleur Abela fil-kariga l-gdida tagħha, Momentum jirringrazzja lil Alison Bezzina għas-servizz u l-kuraġġ tagħha, u jesprimi solidarjeta’ magħha. Intennu s-sentiment qawwi tagħha: “Jistgħu jieħdu t-titlu, iżda mhux il-vuċi.” Il-ġlieda għall-ġustizzja għall-annimali tkompli.

Għal dawk li jħossu l-istess frustrazzjoni u jridu jagħtu sehem biex isseħħ bidla sinifikanti, Momentum jistieden lill-pubbliku biex jingħaqad fil-”Vision Circle” tiegħu nhar is-Sibt li ġej, 25 ta’ Ottubru. Il-laqgħa se tkun iddedikata speċifikament għall-iżvilupp ta’ politiki dwar id-drittijiet u d-dinjità tal-annimali. Din hija opportunità kruċjali biex tittieħed azzjoni, u jinbena qafas li verament jipproteġi lil dawk li m’għandhomx vuċi.

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