No political system is perfect, so we put checks and balances in place to reconcile with the mistrusts we have in it. If these are well-structured and well-functioning, the checks and balances build the trust in the people who are representing them in Parliament. But a glitch – a narrow crack in the separation of powers – destabilises the system in its entirety.

It makes everyone suspicious of the establishment’s actions and omissions – and the intentions behind them. With any cracks in the rule of law it is expected that many – hopefully all – would find a way of restoring the status quo. The truth is that this goes beyond investigating what politicians do with our money. We pay taxes on the understanding that the income generated will be used for the common good, to efficiently run the country. It boils down to the quality of life that we expect the politicians, whom we have elected, to deliver.

They are our representatives who – we would like to think – have good  intentions and those who do not would have to answer to the laws in place.           
All states have enemies: the governments of other countries and radical thinkers, for example. They seek to destabilise a system that works – and works well. There are, however, even darker enemies of the state: members of the government and people in decision-making bodies who seek to take advantage of system breakdowns and use fake news to line their pockets with money which is not theirs. They are thieves: they are taking money that is yours and mine! Any kickback they receive, any money they spend and do not account for, is illegitimate and only reduces the quality of life that they promised us when we elected them to Parliament.    
Investigative journalists are not on the list of enemies.

On the contrary, they are the ones who work to ensure that nothing is ever stolen from us again; that the money that we are giving the government is actually being used for our benefit as members of society. Anyone who feels threatened by the work of reputable investigative journalists – yes, there are baddies as well – must have something hidden in their closet. Those in the wrong feel threatened by anyone who dares to question their actions and attitudes towards justice. Those who behave righteously and have nothing to hide, fear no investigation into their – or that of their allies – behaviour.          

The latest Reporters Without Borders data press freedom ranking shows us otherwise. Six  journalists, one citizen journalist and one media assistant have been killed so far in 2019. A total of 170 journalists, 150 citizens journalists and 16 assistants are currently imprisoned. Murder and the imprisonment of journalists in connection with their work indicates how some people are afraid that the truth behind their corrupt actions will come out. Malta ranks in 77th place – climbing down from 44 in 2017 – only two places higher than our beloved Panama.

The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia remains unsolved. It has now been 18 months since her death and the masterminds are still at large and the government refuses to hold a public inquiry into whether her murder could have been prevented. The case of Minister Helena Dalli’s husband against investigative journalist Caroline Muscat from The Shift News on the now infamous painting proves, once again, how those thirsting for the blood of journalists are still getting their way. They have even written comments on Facebook harassing Muscat.      

The government rejected an Anti-SLAAP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) bill put forward by the Opposition. Vexatious law suits – the sole aim of which is to destroy the morale of journalists – are still happening and will keep on happening. Only we can stop it, and it is up to us to support the work of reputable investigative journalists. It boils down to whether we care about our country and our democracy or not.  

The logic behind it all is quite plain and simple: if the checks and balances that scrutinise and hold politicians accountable are flawed, then the country faces the danger of falling victim to even more corruption and mistrust. Investigative journalists ensure that the checks and balances are working properly and hold politicians accountable to their actions and omissions. They are anything but enemies of the state.