Local Podcaster Pulls Birdlife Episode After Hunter Threats
Maltese podcaster Sayan Cassar removed an episode featuring BirdLife Malta after claiming he was threatened by a hunter.
Cassar, host of the Sayan Cassar Podcast, said he took down an interview with BirdLife Malta’s head of conservation, Nicholas Barbara, following threats at his workplace and abusive messages from individuals linked to the hunting community.
The podcast, usually dedicated to paranormal and extraterrestrial topics, had branched out to cover conservation issues.
Writing on Facebook, Cassar described the incident as “unacceptable and crossing all limits of decency”. He explained that someone had visited his workplace to show discontent over the BirdLife episode.
As a result, the podcast not only deleted the interview but also cancelled a planned follow-up with a representative of hunting and trapping group FKNK. Cassar clarified that the threats had not come from FKNK members.
He stressed that personal safety was his priority, stating: “We have families and people we love, and we are not going to put our lives in danger because of a podcast that frankly so far has not earned us any money.”
BirdLife Malta expressed solidarity with Cassar. CEO Mark Sultana condemned the threats, calling them “unacceptable” and urging civic-minded people to denounce such behaviour.
In a follow up post, Cassar thanked everyone for the messages of support.
‘Even hunters have reached out to me, and that really means a lot. But as I watch things unfold, I can’t help but notice how easily our community gets divided. We need to learn how to live side by side and respect one another.’
FKNK spokesperson Lucas Micallef explained he withdrew from a planned Sayan Cassar Podcast interview after social media suggested his invitation was linked to alleged threats against the producer.
‘Therefore, I decided myself that I could not take part in an interview where my invitation appeared to be the result of pressure or threats against the production. Nonetheless, I wish Sajan every success. But with humility, I personally took the responsibility to formally cancel the invitation for the reasons I have outlined.’
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