On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has made a formal call for a Freedom of Information Act.

The IGM said that this law is required in a democratic society because, apart from cases that can be a threat to national security and other exceptional matters, it opens up for scrutiny all the public information which should be open to all.

The IGM also showed solidarity with the families of 58 journalists who were killed in various parts of the world in 2005 and with the hundreds of journalists who were kidnapped or injured or are currently serving prison sentences in countries where there is conflict.

The IGM said that although no journalist was killed or beaten up or arrested in Malta, the media is still faced with obstacles in carrying out its duties. It said that the IGM remains committed to fight these barriers and to ensure that the rights and liberties that are entrenched in the Constitution remain in force.

The IGM said that it has written to the Prime Minister about the need for a Freedom of Information Act and has also requested a meeting to discuss this proposal.