Malta

A recent report shows that France, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, and Finland want to legalise spying on journalists in the event of a threat to national security.

Maltese authorities should mark the sixth anniversary of Caruana Galizia’s death by making unequivocal statements in support of full justice for her murder, and committing to implement the public inquiry’s recommendations.

The Committee of Experts on Media, the body set up to implement the recommendations of the Public Inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, submitted their report, which includes an analysis of anti-SLAPP legislation, to the Prime Minister in July.

“As a public figure who speaks out against corruption, we are deeply concerned about Robert Aquilina’s welfare and that of his family. We also fear that as more corruption is uncovered by journalists, writers, and activists, with no police action taken to investigate and prosecute, the more those uncovering this corruption will be targeted by those who feel untouchable.”

PM Abela should urge his government to implement recommendations from the recent public consultation into draft media laws and to strengthen the planned legislation in line with international standards.

While the recent conviction of two hitmen is welcome, we lament the lack of implementation of the recommendations made by the Public Inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s assassination, and the exclusion of structured public consultation on proposed legal amendments relating to the safety of journalists and SLAPPs.

“We welcome the sentencing of Alfred and George Degiorgio, which marks a long overdue step towards justice for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Nearly 5 years on, it’s more important than ever to ensure that full criminal justice is delivered for all those involved in this heinous crime” – RSF

‘The Shift News’ faces an all-out legal battle against 40 freedom of information lawsuits brought by 40 government entities in Malta. These appeal lawsuits pose a serious threat to the country’s already worrying freedom of information and press freedom climate, and should be dropped.

In its report the Board of Inquiry made a number of key recommendations to restore the rule of law and avoid an assassination like that of Daphne Caruana Galizia ever happening again. The recommendations provided an historic opportunity for the Government of Malta to implement its international human rights obligations to create a safe environment for journalism.

“We have been concerned by a lack of transparent consultation with civil society and key stakeholders in this process to date. We urge the Prime Minister to engage in meaningful and transparent consultation going forward, in particular through publishing proposed legislation relating to media freedom.”

The fight against impunity only ends when all those responsible have been prosecuted to the full extent of the law: assassins, intermediaries and masterminds must all face the court without further delay. Delayed justice only serves to embolden those who wish to use violence to silence critical reporting in Malta and beyond.

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, rights organisations call on Prime Minister Abela to strengthen media freedom in Malta.

“Today’s indictment of the man alleged to have effectively orchestrated and funded the assassination is a milestone in the fight against impunity and another important step down the road to full justice for Daphne’s murder” – IPI.

“The Board of Inquiry’s report represents a milestone in the fight for truth, accountability and justice for Caruana Galizia’s assassination and its conclusions and recommendations are of global significance in battling impunity for crimes against journalists.”