The Coalition for Gozo, Moviment Graffitti, and Din l-Art Ħelwa staged a direct action today to highlight the urgent threat facing Fort Chambray, a historic British barracks, due to irregular planning permits. The organisations filed two appeals against the Planning Authority’s decision, requesting a suspension of construction works while the appeal proceeds. However, the flawed planning appeals law may result in the Planning Tribunal refusing the suspension, allowing construction to continue and potentially demolishing the fort.

Despite public calls and over 800 signatories supporting the protection of the site, the Planning Authority has ignored requests for scheduling protection, and the Government has approved land consolidation and restoration funds for private developers. This funding, covered by taxpayers, would benefit the development of Fort Chambray into a private residential and commercial complex without guaranteeing public access.

The NGOs criticised the government’s failure to act on promises of reform and warned that if the appeals law is not reformed, their efforts to safeguard the site may be in vain. Police intervened during the protest, taking details from some activists. The organisations pledged further action if the demolition proceeds.

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The Għajn Tuffieħa Barracks, situated in Majjistral Park, are undergoing restoration work to be transformed into a new administrative and educational centre for visitors. Minister for Lands and Electoral Programme Implementation, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, visited the site to inspect the ongoing project, which is being carried out by the Heritage Parks Federation. The barracks, leased by the Lands Authority, are set to serve as a key resource for the park’s operations and community engagement.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the significance of regenerating historic government properties for community use. He commended the collaborative effort involving Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust, and the Heritage Parks Federation, aiming to provide enhanced services to the public.

Darren Saliba, representing the Heritage Parks Federation, explained that the restored barracks will offer facilities for both administrative tasks and educational programs focused on the area’s natural and historical heritage.

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Activists from #OccupyJustice gathered outside Castille on Saturday, holding a banner that read “You Kant Be Trusted, Prim.” They were protesting against Bill No. 125, which would restrict citizens from directly requesting magisterial inquiries and instead require them to file a police report.

The group expressed concerns that the proposed changes could impact the investigation of cases such as VGH and Electrogas, as only authorities would be able to request inquiries. The reform has drawn criticism from legal bodies, civil society groups, and political parties, with concerns raised about its potential impact on accountability.

#OccupyJustice also referred to a recent Ombudsman report on the Corradino Correctional Facility, which highlighted cases of mistreatment under former director Alexander Dalli. The activists noted that Dalli was reassigned to a government role following the report’s findings.

A protest is scheduled for Sunday at 4 pm outside Parliament, co-organised by #OccupyJustice and Repubblika. The demonstration has also been endorsed by political party Momentum and NGO Moviment Graffitti. The organisers are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of inquiries.

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