The AEJ with other journalists and media freedom organisations have raised concern about new actions by Malta’s government in connection with the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The government of Malta has named the seven people it has chosen as the Committee of Experts to implement the recommendations of the public inquiry into the assassination in October 2017.
That inquiry found that the state must take responsibility for the murder because it created ‘an atmosphere of impunity’ emanating from the top of the government.
In a statement on 14 January 2022 the 10 media freedom groups noted multiple concerns:
– the membership of the Committee of Experts
– the lack of adequate consultation with civil society
– the announcement of government proposals for alarming changes to media law in Malta.
AEJ media freedom representative William Horsley said international criticism has grown again over long delays in the judicial process and evidence of continued harassment and hostility towards journalists in Malta, in defiance of Malta’s international responsibilities to uphold media freedom, access to justice, and the rule of law.
Concerns about inquiry statement
Government of Malta announcement on inquiry
Media freedom mission to Malta – 16 October 2021
Council of Europe recommendations on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists
European Commission recommendation on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists
Malta responsible in Daphne murder
More on Daphne
