Malta is severely at risk of high-level corruption, and this issue will lead to more serious crises if laws are not strengthened and journalists are not supported. During a session dedicated to examining judicial failures following the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an anti-corruption journalist, a warning voice was heard from Shami Chakrabarti, a member of the House of Lords and human rights activist.
Pressure on the Judicial System
Chakrabarti emphasized during this session that Malta will continue to experience instances of corruption among high-ranking officials if this situation persists. She specifically pointed out the need to establish legal mechanisms and protect journalists, framing this as one of the essential pillars for preserving democracy in Malta. This warning comes in the wake of the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017, who was recognized as a brave and pioneering journalist in the fight against corruption.
Necessary Steps for the Future
Chakrabarti noted the importance of enforcing laws and supporting journalists, adding that neglecting these issues could lead to a reduction in freedom of expression and jeopardize the lives of journalists. She stated that only by strengthening laws and implementing them can similar crises be prevented. In fact, this is a serious warning to the Maltese authorities that they must act as quickly as possible to ensure the lives and safety of journalists.
This issue is not only serious for Malta but for all of Europe. Similar crises in other countries can also undermine democratic principles. Therefore, addressing this issue and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of journalists and strengthen laws is of utmost importance.
