Even as the Panama Papers disclosures have sparked at least 150 investigations in 79 countries around the world, they have also provoked pushback from individuals and governments displeased with revelations of the hidden economic holdings of the global elite.

Politicians, business executives and thousands of their supporters have responded with vitriol, threats, cyberattacks and lawsuits, according to a survey by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which coordinated the Panama Papers investigation.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has published an article on how journalists have been the targets of individuals and companies named in the Panama Papers scandal.

In Malta, the consequences of reporting on the Panama Papers has provoked a flurry of libel cases instituted by No-Portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri against the media, including The Malta Independent, which is a media partner of ICIJ.