Following mounting opposition to remarks made by former parliamentary secretary for lands Deborah Schembri on freedom of expression, she has taken to social media to “apologise” and “clarify” her position.
Last night while speaking on a current affairs programme, Schembri said that freedom of expression must not be abused, because some people may feel hurt and irritated. She continued to say that when those people do not feel they have appropriate legal remedy, they may take the law into their own hands.
“We have spoken a lot about freedom of speech. Even here we need to be careful that when writing, there are certain points that should not be crossed. We should not hurt people unnecessarily, because this is not freedom of speech but this is abuse and people will feel hurt and irritated. Those who may feel that they do not have legal remedy may take the law into their own hands,” she said.
This was said one day after controversial blogger and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally murdered through the use of a car bomb just metres down her residence in Bidnija.
Parliamentary secretary for reform Julia Farrugia Portelli indirectly slammed her fellow Labour Party member by commenting that she could never accept any form of argument where somebody insinuates that a journalist should be punished should they cross a line.
Farrugia Portelli wrote:
“I spent 20 years in journalism. It remains in your blood and in your heart, despite the change in role. There was not a moment during the last few days where my heart did not bleed for all those who earn a living through the written pen.
“I will NEVER accept that any journalist feels that he or she is being blackmailed. In the same way, I do not agree or accept the argument where somebody insinuates that a journalist should be punished when crossing a line with their words.”
Several attempts were made this morning by The Malta Independent to give Schembri an opportunity to expand on her comments, however she was not forthcoming.
Instead, Schembri took to social media to clarify her position where she condemned the “barbarous killing” of Caruana Galizia.
“Yesterday’s comments should not be extrapolated as a message that it is good, or right, for people to take the law into their own hands if they feel aggrieved. It’s undoubtedly and unconditionally wrong.
“If, in any way, any one received a different interpretation, I apologise and seek to clarify. Even though I will stay away from partisan spin which aims only at scoring political points”.
Further down in her comment, she said “The rule of law is above all. Absolutely everyone has the right to write and say whatever they want. And the law clearly provides for cases when the fundamental right of freedom of expression is abused. Hence those who feel wronged are entitled to protection by the courts and no other remedy.
“My genuine preoccupation actually arises from the fact that last Monday a criminal, or group of criminals, have in fact opted for other remedies. Somebody has decided to take the law into their own hands.,,,,
“The wrongdoing here is not of the journalist, but of the brutal person/s whose acts go against any dignity or civilisation. This is where I might have been misinterpreted by some or did not explain myself well. My profound emotion comes from the fact that Daphne Caruana Galizia herself had admitted receiving threats simply because she wrote allegations about the Leader of Opposition.”
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Statement by Malta Institute of Journalists
The Malta Institute of Journalists contacted Schembri about her remarks on television, and are satisfied with the explanation she delivered via social media.
It stated that while journalists must be responsible, it categorically denounces the idea of imposing limitations on what is said and written by journalists.