Casa submits media reform proposals, ‘action sorely overdue’

“Eight years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, after countless calls from journalists, international organisations, European institutions, and the public inquiry into her assassination, the ball is well in the Maltese Government’s court for effective action to improve the working environment of journalists.”

The Head of the PN delegation, MEP David Casa slammed the lengthy delays for media reform as he submitted concrete proposals in line with international standards. Casa supported the authoritative call by a swathe of press organisations issued on the anniversary of Daphne’s assassination adding that “it has been clear for years what the government needs to do to improve journalists' working environment.”

Among other measures, Casa called for constitutional protection, extending anti-SLAPP protections to purely domestic cases, the full implementation of the European Media Freedom Act, the bona fide implementation of the conclusions of the Daphne inquiry, a stronger Freedom of Information regime that reduces arbitrary decisions, and an effective police response to threats to journalists and action for their stories.

Casa emphasised that “any meaningful reform in recent years has come from Europe, not from Castille. Journalists are more protected from SLAPP suits because of relentless domestic and international pressure — not because the Government finally recognised its duty to protect journalists.

“The blueprint has existed since Daphne’s murder. Civil society, the media, and European partners have been spelling it out for eight years. The only missing element has been this government's political will.

“The government’s record on media freedom is one of delay, obstruction, and spin,” Casa said. “This consultation must not become another box-ticking exercise. The ball is — yet again — in the Maltese government's court.”

Casa had been the first MEP to campaign for European legislation against SLAPPs. The Media Reform Public Consultation is open until tomorrow.