The Prime Minister's statements attacking the judiciary and journalists 'pose a grave threat to the foundations of democracy,' the aditus foundation has said.

The foundation strongly condemned the recent words of Prime Minister Robert Abela "in his blatant attack on the judiciary and journalists. The Prime Minister's speech left no room for interpretation. It was a direct and unequivocal undermining of people and positions simply because he is not comfortable with their activities."

"A Prime Minister should under no circumstance exploit his power to shame, bully or intimidate anyone. When the targets are the judiciary and journalists, the entire nation should rise up in their defence and claim 'Enough!' The pillars of democracy are fundamental to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in any democratic society. Yet, the Prime Minister's recent statements and actions demonstrate a clear disregard for these principles. They pose a grave threat to the foundations of democracy in Malta."

By openly criticising and undermining the judiciary, "the Prime Minister is eroding the separation of powers and compromising the impartiality of our legal system. His attempts to intimidate and discredit judges who uphold the Constitution and defend the rights of citizens are nothing short of an assault on justice itself."

"Furthermore, the Prime Minister's attacks on journalists and media organisations represent a dangerous escalation in his campaign to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression. They embody his cowardly attempt to delegitimize the vital role of the press in holding power to account and informing the public. It is deeply concerning that the highest office in the land is being used to undermine the very institutions that are meant to safeguard democracy and protect the rights of all citizens. Such behaviour sets a dangerous precedent and sends a chilling message to anyone who dares to speak truth to power."

"We urgently call on Prime Minister to immediately cease his attacks on the judiciary and journalists and to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law.We also urge all citizens to stand up in defence of our democratic institutions. We must demand accountability from those in power," the foundation said.

"We remind the Prime Minister what happened the last time a Maltese Prime Minister orchestrated such a campaign against the free press. Let us never again go down that road," Neil Falzon, aditus Director said.