An international press freedom mission will visit Malta five years after the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The country visit follows up on similar missions held in previous years.
Representatives of ARTICLE 19 Europe, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have requested a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela in an attempt to continue the dialogue with the government. In addition, they will be meeting with civil society representatives, journalists and other key stakeholders.
A statement by the groups said that “despite a broad outcry, including by the organisations represented in the delegation, for full justice and accountability for Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination, judicial proceedings have so far made very limited progress. Additionally, the Government has been slow to implement press freedom reforms recommended by the landmark Public Inquiry, and it has failed to organise proper public consultations on legislative proposals.”
The press freedom groups insisted that “the continued need for justice and accountability for Caruana Galizia’s assassination will feature prominently on the delegation’s agenda. Additionally, representatives will also focus on the other systemic failings that continue to negatively affect Malta’s press freedom climate.”
Representatives of the organisations will be participating in the events organised by Repubblika, #occupyjustice, and this website culminating in the protest march and vigil in Valletta Sunday evening.