Repubblika condemns two separate court decisions made this week that remind us of the urgent need for stronger protection of press freedoms in Malta.
In the first case, the court ordered the name of a public figure from Switzerland to be concealed after he was found guilty of sexually harassing a hotel employee. The court issued this order to protect the individual’s reputation due to his political position, despite the public’s right to know about his misconduct. This raises serious concerns that the law is not applied equally to those in power.
At the same time, Times of Malta was issued a gag order at the request of an electronic money company (Papaya). This order prevented Times of Malta from publishing allegations about Papaya’s failures related to money laundering. Papaya filed the court case before the article was even written. This is a shocking example of bullying by companies that misuse the law to silence journalism in the public interest. These legal tactics by the company amount to censorship through legal means.
We express full solidarity with the journalists and with Times of Malta who are fighting these attacks. These cases remind us how easy it is for individuals and companies to exploit the law to hide bad behavior, even when that behavior harms the public.
These are judicial reminders of the vital importance of credible reform of media laws. The so-called “public consultation” currently underway is a joke that fools no one. The government has not published any proposals, and the process lacks transparency and genuine, free exchange of ideas. Malta deserves a deep and inclusive debate that leads to laws that protect press freedom and shield the media from abusive legal actions while guaranteeing freedom for journalism in the public interest.
The public has a right to be informed. Companies that act like bullies and politically powerful individuals should not be allowed to hide their secrets behind judicial gag orders.