Europa – 27. 09. 2026

“Activism is not a crime” - interview with Andrea Rutigliano

27.09.2026

“Activism is not a crime” - in a compelling interview, Andrea Rutigliano, an investigator with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), sheds light on the high-stakes fight against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus.

Once a local tradition, bird poaching has turned into a lucrative illegal trade, with plates of wild songbirds selling for up to €80 in restaurants. Despite facing mafia-style threats, political pressure, and physical violence, Rutigliano and his team remain dedicated to protecting migratory species passing through the region.

From his personal motivation to repay a historical "karma" to the reality of confronting organised crime in the field, this interview is an eye-opening look at environmental activism on the frontlines. Read the full interview in Philenews (English) here.