Media freedom: We will not be silent

PN MEPs David Casa, Roberta Metsola and Therese Comodini Cachia expressed deep concern about the proposed defamation laws by the Maltese government. They charectised them as a serious threat to Internet Freedoms.

“The Labour Government is taking a page out of the play book of autocratic regimes with its proposed new media law that would require the registration of websites and limit protection offered to confidential sources.

The internet is a crucial medium for the freedom of expression and the government should stay out of it. Requiring websites to be registered with a Government appointed media registrar is a clear attempt by Joseph Muscat’s government to stifle dissent online. This is not the road Malta should be taking.”

Malta is experiencing an unprecedented level of corruption, intimidation and abuse of power with roots at the highest levels of government. This has led citizens and journalists to take to the internet to voice their opposition.

“These are worrying developments and we will not remain silent. It is time for the Maltese people to stand up and be counted and on Sunday the country will join together and speak out in a national protest in Valletta. Enough,” the PN MEP said.