The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) yesterday called on the Maltese government to protect journalists’ safety after recent attacks on journalists covering a protest by hunters and trappers in the capital.

The EFJ and IFJ are backing a call by their affiliate, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), for the authorities to take tough action against those responsible for the attacks on journalists reporting on the 7 March protest in Valletta where hunters and trappers hurled bottles and stones at police and the media.

“These recent attacks on journalists show that protesters feel they can attack reporters and photographers with impunity,” said Arne König, EFJ chair. “This intimidation and violence against journalists on assignment is a serious threat to independent media in Malta.”

Darrin Zammit Lupi, a photographer from The Times newspaper, was hospitalised after he was struck in the face and his equipment was damaged, IGM said. Julia Farrugia, a journalist from Illum newspaper and Brandon Pisani, a journalist from l-orizzont newspaper were taken to a nearby health centre suffering from slight injuries.

Photographer Ben Borg Cardona of The Malta Independent had his equipment broken and stolen by protestors and was slightly injured. Photographer Ray Attard from Illum newspaper was also slightly injured.