The Institute for Maltese Journalists “unreservedly condemns the despicable acts” outside Parliament on Thursday evening when “a man spat at journalists who were going about carrying out their duties”.

The institute expressed its full solidarity with ONE TV journalists and camerapersons who were targeted by this “vile behaviour”, the IGM said.

Hurling any form of abuse at journalists is never acceptable and the institute urged the police to investigate the matter and bring the person to justice.

At the same time, as it has said time and time again, it is truly unfortunate that the level of respect towards journalists is continuing its downward trend as the authorities and politicians continue to denigrate the sector with certain comments targeting journalists.

The institute once again calls on the authorities to acknowledge the role of the media, its vital importance for a healthy democracy and take action to ensure safety of journalists at all times