They urged Malta to develop a National Action Plan on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety and provide a strategic framework to coordinate action across state institutions.

This plan, they say, should integrate wide-ranging recommendations, involve public consultation, set measurable benchmarks, and ensure independent evaluation.

The group, also called for the creation of an inter-ministerial, cross-institutional structure to protect journalists, implement rapid response protocols, and maintain dialogue with media organisations, aligning with European standards and best practices.

Constitutional reforms were also highlighted as critical. The statement stressed the importance of enshrining journalism as a pillar of democratic society and guaranteeing the public’s right of access to information.

The coalition further recommended measures to foster a safe working environment for journalists, including public condemnation of attacks on the press, protection for female journalists from harassment or intimidation, and training for judges, prosecutors, and police in line with international media freedom standards.

The coalition also called for legislative reforms to tackle vexatious lawsuits and SLAPP cases, reforms to the Media and Defamation Act, and stronger access to public information.

They highlighted the need for Malta to fully implement the recommendations from the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry, including measures to address financial crime, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and inappropriate behaviour by public officials.

Ensuring self-regulation, protecting journalistic sources, strengthening public service media, and increasing transparency over state advertising and media ownership were also listed as key priorities.

The coalition stressed that reforms had to prevent political interference, safeguard editorial independence, and maintain media pluralism, including in the online environment.

Signed by more than twenty international press and media organisations, this statement served as a powerful reminder that Malta’s media landscape required urgent, comprehensive reform to protect journalists, promote accountability, and uphold democratic values.

They highlighted the need for Malta to fully implement the recommendations from the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry, including measures to address financial crime, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and inappropriate behaviour by public officials.

Ensuring self-regulation, protecting journalistic sources, strengthening public service media, and increasing transparency over state advertising and media ownership were also listed as key priorities.

The coalition stressed that reforms had to prevent political interference, safeguard editorial independence, and maintain media pluralism, including in the online environment.

Signed by more than twenty international press and media organisations, this statement served as a powerful reminder that Malta’s media landscape required urgent, comprehensive reform to protect journalists, promote accountability, and uphold democratic values.

What do you think of this?

Signed by:

– Association of European Journalists (AEJ)

– Civil Liberties Union for Europe

– Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

– European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

– European Federation of Journalists

– Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

– Global Forum for Media Development

– International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

– IFEX

– Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS)

– International Press Institute (IPI)

– Media Diversity Institute 

– Ossigeno per l’Informazione 

– PEN International

– Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

– Society of Journalists (Warsaw)

– South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)

– Spanish Federation of Journalists (FAPE)