Malta is currently facing the danger of a corruption crisis. According to Shami Chakrabarti, a member of the House of Lords and a human rights expert, the country must urgently strengthen laws protecting journalists to prevent the recurrence of major corruption. Chakrabarti raised this warning at the start of an investigation related to judicial failures following the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an anti-corruption journalist.
Threats Against Journalists
Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally killed in a bombing in October 2017, and this incident sounded the alarm for press freedom in Malta and Europe. Chakrabarti, as a special reporter in this investigation, emphasized that the ineffective enforcement of legal protections has put journalists at serious risk. She noted that Malta can only prevent the recurrence of such tragedies by strengthening its legal system and ensuring that no one is above the law.
Necessary Actions to Improve the Situation
Chakrabarti also pointed to the necessity of international cooperation to support journalists and guarantee freedom of expression. She emphasized that European countries must pressure Malta to take the necessary actions to protect media and journalists. She stated, "We must ensure that no one can attack journalists with impunity."
This situation is concerning not only for journalists in Malta but for all of Europe. If countries cannot adequately support journalists, the likelihood of such tragedies recurring in other parts of Europe also exists. It is essential for European countries to collaborate to defend press freedom and human rights.
