Justice Minister says government to focus on better protection of the media
Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, today spoke about the Government's commitment not only to participate in discussions at the European level regarding the anti-SLAPP directive but also highlighted the appeal
Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, today spoke about the Government's commitment not only to participate in discussions at the European level regarding the anti-SLAPP directive but also highlighted the appeals made to reach an ambitious text.
In his speech at a Forum on Media and Information, organised in Parliament by members of the Opposition, Attard stated that this commitment was reflected in the fact that Malta was the first member state to transpose the directive into its laws.
"Now that this step has been taken," he said, "the Government can refocus on the bills presented to the Maltese Parliament at the beginning of this legislature, which aim to offer greater protection to the media and that were stopped on the premise that more consultation is needed. These bills consolidate the recommendations made by a group of experts appointed following the recommendations of the public inquiry related to the deplorable murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia."
However, he noted that, in the meantime, there are those, including legal professionals, who are questioning the adequacy of the civil defamation remedy and also the capping on damages, which was established 28 years ago.
"One regret I have is that we have not yet acted robustly to protect the victims of those who abuse freedom of expression," he said, mentioning young people who are subjected to all types of bullying online, in a period that could mark their lives forever.
The discussion, if we want it to be driven by truth and justice, must be representative of society as a whole. We must be aware of the realities of victims and of those whose only aim, without a shred of decency, is to damage individuals, he said. "Yes, there is still much to be done, and we are determined, as a government, to continue to be pioneers of further reforms in the democratic development of our country," Minister Attard concluded.
He also called for forums of this type in Parliament to be organised by the Office of the Speaker and to truly represent society as a whole.
The forum was addressed by the Speaker of the House, Dr Anġlu Farrugia, Parliamentary members of the Opposition, and various people with interest in the sector.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
