Malta: Monique Agius Targeted by High-Ranking Officials
As Agius faces government intimidations, police asked to protect journalists during upcoming trial of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat
Location: Malta, Valletta
Date: May 11, 2024Updated: May 24, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the recent targeting of Newsbook Malta journalist Monique Agius by former Labour Party Secretary General Jason Micallef and Prime Minister Robert Abela. This coordinated assault on Agius, accusing her of collusion with the "establishment," represents a disturbing pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing critical journalism in Malta. This kind of rhetoric from the highest levels of government is alarming and serves to discredit and intimidate journalists, thereby eroding press freedom in Malta. The call by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) for police protection for journalists covering the upcoming court hearing of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat underscores the gravity of the situation. We urge the Maltese authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. This includes ensuring the safety of journalists during high-profile court cases and investigating breaches of privacy and intimidation tactics used against the media.
Former Labour Party Secretary General Jason Micallef has followed Prime Minister Robert Abela's lead in targeting Newsbook Malta journalist Monique Agius, accusing her of collusion with the "establishment" — a recurring allegation by the Labour government.
Micallef, who also heads the Valletta Cultural Agency, allegedly displayed personal chats of Agius, suggesting an intrusive breach of privacy as photos were reportedly taken without her knowledge. This incident comes on the heels of Prime Minister Abela's similar accusations a week earlier during a press conference, where he criticized Agius for her questioning related to the magisterial inquiry into the Vitals/Steward hospitals scandal.
The accusations against Agius stir concerns over press freedom in Malta. The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has expressed alarm over these repeated attacks on journalists, underscoring the increasing risks they face in the line of duty.
Adding to the heightened tension, journalists covering the upcoming court hearing of disgraced former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will receive police protection. Muscat is set to appear in court on May 28 to face charges of bribery, fraud, and money laundering, following a four-year magisterial inquiry into the privatization of three public hospitals.
The IGM requested police protection amid fears that journalists might be targeted during the politically charged court proceedings. “The IGM took a proactive approach to next week’s arraignments by writing to the police commissioner to ensure that journalists are afforded police protection, especially at this time of political tensions,” says IGM President Matthew Xuereb.
“Following talks with the police, several measures were agreed to ensure journalists would be able to carry out their work as safely as possible. I hope that our work is just a preemptive measure and that there are no incidents, especially involving members of the media,” he adds.
The atmosphere of intimidation recalls the tragic assassination of Malta’s renowned journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on October 16, 2017. Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija, a crime that shook the nation. Since then, seven men have been implicated in her murder, with five entering plea bargains, and a public inquiry holding the state responsible.
Women Press Freedom calls on the Maltese government to condemn these acts of harassment unequivocally and to take immediate steps to protect journalists from such threats. We urge the international community to monitor the situation in Malta closely and support efforts to ensure that journalists can work in a safe and free environment. The integrity of journalism and the right to report freely are fundamental to democracy and must be defended with unwavering resolve.
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