Malta: Large turnout in protest against Central Link project

There was a large turnout Sunday morning in Attard on Sunday for the protest against the controversial Central Link project, which will involve the uprooting of 549 trees and the transplanting of around 250 others, a number of which are protected species.

Several protesters have tied themselves to trees, while others formed a human chain. The event also includes a clean up of the area, with organizers saying that the event will leave no trace behind.

In a symbolic gesture, people of all ages tied themselves to trees and held up colourful placards denouncing the environmental destruction the project will entail.

The government has argued that more trees than currently exist will be planted, however some of these trees have been around for hundreds of years, protestors had said.

The Central Link project set to widen the road from Mdina to Mrieħel will consume approximately 49,000 square metres, some of which is currently used as farmland.

Via The Sunday Times / The Malta Independent