The reform process has been shrouded in secrecy and committees appointed to give their advice, namely when it comes to the media sector, have been bound by confidentiality, despite the vast numbers it affects.

“It is disturbing that despite the findings of the state-appointed public inquiry into the circumstances of our daughter Daphne’s assassination – the reason why reforms are crucial – the government has to be reminded that ‘every citizen has the right to participate in reforms which, supposedly, are aimed at protecting their fundamental rights’,” Daphne’s parents, Michael and Rose Marie Vella, said.

“Nothing will ever bring our daughter back, but Malta has an opportunity to redeem itself for its failure to protect her life by reversing the conditions that made her murder possible.”

“Our country needs truly effective reforms if it is to be capable of protecting journalists and safeguarding everyone’s fundamental right to be informed. The government will not achieve this by drafting laws in secret, nor by presenting legislation to parliament before it has thoroughly passed the test of public scrutiny and consultation.”

Daphne was assassinated on 16th October 2017. Several people have been charged with the murder, but only one person has been sentenced to prison after pleading not guilty. 

Meanwhile, the inquiry found the government responsible for creating the culture of impunity that resulted in her murder and demanded several reforms, none of which have so far been implemented.

What do you think about the secrecy surrounding the reform?