Mark Camilleri Expresses Concerns On ‘Rushed’ Freedom Of Expression Reforms
As parliament is set to amend the freedom of expression laws following Pastor Gordon-John Manché’s libels against a number of comedians for insulting him, concerns were raised that the law is worded in a way that it only protects artists.
Blogger and author Mark Camilleri cautioned that the new law excluded criminal libel, even describing the reform as “rushed”.
“The Labour government is making it very clear that its intention is to preserve ‘artistic freedom of expression’, and by default, this excludes criminal libel.”
“The original policy on free speech by the previous Labour governments under Joseph Muscat was to expand free speech in all its categories and that is why criminal libel was abrogated along with artistic censorship.”
“Now, freedom of speech is increasingly being narrowed down into the artistic category. Basically, this would mean that you may insult people only as long as you are an artist. This is not unusual because authoritarian states have very similar categories to free speech where artistic expression is allowed to a higher degree than other forms of speech.”
Camilleri has long been warning about the press reforms. He says that the following three points will be included: “The absolute right to privacy. This will add a layer of protection to politicians, a military committee to spy on journalists, and the recognition of foreign libel cases in Maltese law courts.”
“Separately, the government intends to introduce an “anti-cyber-bullying law” with sentences of up to €30,000 in fines and two years in prison.”
“So, once this law will be passed, Gordon Manche may very well again be in court saying he was ‘bullied’.”
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