Repubblika strongly condemns the recent threats made by Jean-Claude Micallef, CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Malta Sports (AIMS), against individuals who have disclosed a controversial employment contract. This conduct detracts from the essential role of whistleblowers in promoting transparency and accountability within our institutions.
In our 2022 report, “Protecting Whistleblowers in Malta”, we highlighted significant shortcomings in the Whistleblower Protection Act. In particular, the limited scope of the law and the lack of structural independence discourage people from reporting abuses. The law does not protect workers who report irregularities as part of their professional responsibilities. The recent incident at AIMS clearly demonstrates these shortcomings, where instead of protection, whistleblowers are facing retaliation.
Repubblika calls for immediate legislative reforms to establish an independent whistleblowing agency and implement strong safeguards. Creating an environment where individuals can report irregularities without fear is crucial to maintaining integrity and justice in Malta.