Malta is now entering not the euro zone but the democracy deficit zone.  As long as we continue with this general and personal assault on freedom of expression, with all the wider effect that it has on justice and a democratic system, we are bound to face a stark reality whose effect will be felt most by the younger generation who grew up in a rather different environment.

It is sad, very sad, to see how backwards we have gone in this important pillar of democracy.  It is as though a silent choice has been made between freedom of expression and a positive economy.  As though one cannot survive with the other, becoming personified in those in favour and those against this false presumption.

What a short time it has been since so many clamoured to join the European Union.  A short review of the importance of freedom of expression as a function of the union shows:

In 2014, the Council of the European Union adopted the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline which spell out how the basic principles should be incorporated in democracy support in the EU partner countries around the world.

The actions below are priorities of the European Union in the area of freedom of expression:

Combating violence, persecution, harassment and intimidation of individuals, including journalists and other media actors, because of their exercise of the right to freedom of expression online and offline, and combating impunity for such crimes.

Yet, as each day goes by we are seeing our country slip further down the path and risk losing this human right.  

The political choice has come down to not what policies and issues you would like to see proposed and by whom, but whether you are on the side of freedom of expression or whether you choose to stay silent or indeed, are ready to forgo it completely in order to allow the government to drive your value system.

The idea that in order to keep a party in power they should be allowed to act without impunity derives from a sense of low self-esteem.   This impression has been reinforced by the ongoing attacks on anyone who speaks out, such as MEPs, whistle-blowers, journalists, NGOs and writers or academics and by the deliberate mis-information campaign by government sanctioned institutions and media groups.

The issue has come under even more threat than ever because of the subject matter in discussion, where most of the topics concern failing rule of law, corruption, the lack of resignations, Panama accounts and their holders, damage to our gaming industry and financial services and the revelations coming from the Daphne Project and from local journalists.  Most irritating then, is the emphasis on the stone which has still been left unturned on those who commissioned the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

They are red-zone topics of contention to those who prefer to brush all accusations aside and carry on with their head in the sand.

Having made it to the yes vote for Europe, it is as though many then beat a hurried retreat and went back to pre-independence mode, living in a permanent state of dependency, unable to handle freedom and their right to choose, whilst afraid that any economic gain can be otherwise lost to the establishment.

Democracy, it would seem, is not for the Maltese but for those dreamers who impose costs on business for the common good and have enough education to get a job.  A good connection to the job trough is worth more than a bunch of ‘O’ levels and making money helps many forget the price paid under the counter.

So, if not everything is as safe and secure as it was and if all that is reported is glossed over, redacated or re-packaged for local consumption, if it fits the narrative then it stays and lives in that sub-culture on which it thrives like a virus.

In the meantime, gossip will fill the space of information.  Before there was the media and freedom of expression, the world was held to account by gossip and the shame it could bring on those presumed to have fallen astray or committed crimes left unpunished.

In an environment void of self-examination or justice being served, gossip is used as the tool of the trade for populist factions intent on inflicting division and punishment by mob.  Hate groups lash their tongues and stoke the flames and do not worry whether or not there is truth to the gossip being spread. 

Today we should be able to distinguish between truth and gossip but even here the element of introspection as a function of gossip has been hijacked and replaced by vile accusations. 

Where accusations or statements are backed by an intuitive mind and observed facts, they become of value to society who can hold others to account.  You may agree or disagree with the content but you cannot deny the intent to make society better for it and uphold its universal values.

The harm lies in those who would forsake information, reject criticism at any cost and employ gossip as a counter tool, whilst making values subjective.

This is where, at this time, Malta is truly compromised and is in serious need of a change of course before we start with parades and marches.  We have already gone far enough and simply cannot afford to risk anymore.  Universal values are undermined and reduced to nothing more than convenience.  That is where we also see abortion coming in.  It is the offspring of a contrived convenience.  Abuse the right to freedom of expression and you abuse the right to life itself.