Wed Sep 18 15:33:00 UTC 2024: ## Maltese Journalists Warn Against Reintroduction of Criminal Libel

**Valletta, Malta** – The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has issued a strong statement urging the government to reject calls for the reintroduction of criminal libel. This follows comments by outgoing Labour Party president Ramona Attard, who last weekend advocated for the return of criminal libel and harsher penalties for libel cases.

Criminal libel, which carries the possibility of imprisonment, was abolished in 2018 by the Labour government as part of media law reforms enacted in the wake of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The IGM emphasizes the chilling effect criminal libel has on free speech and how it has been used historically to silence journalists.

The institute expressed concern that Attard’s remarks may reflect a wider shift in the Labour Party’s stance and called for a clear declaration from the government that it will not reintroduce criminal libel or increase penalties for civil libel.

“The clock should not be turned back,” the IGM stated, emphasizing that Malta should instead focus on strengthening freedom of expression and providing greater protection for journalists.

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