The threat to freedom of speech that led to the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia is still present in Malta today, Repubblika said in a statement on World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday.

“The government has done nothing to address this, "it said.

"In fact, it has worsened with the impunity still enjoyed by corrupt politicians who have been implicated in the journalist's murder."

The civil society group expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in securing press freedom in Malta to address the damage done to the country’s democracy, with the State's being found responsible for the killing of the journalist.

The group criticized Prime Minister Robert Abela's government for failing to act on the recommendations of the public inquiry into the murder of Caruana Galizia, which found that the threat to freedom of expression that led to the killing of the journalist remains present.

Repubblika highlighted the lack of consultation with journalists on the introduction of legislation to protect them, six years after the journalist's death. It also criticised the government's use of the public broadcaster as a propaganda tool, and its attempts to suppress information it is obligated to publish, as well as its intimidation of media outlets critical of the government.

"Malta still lacks laws that criminalise the abuse of power and which ensure the independence of the judiciary. There are still no powers to allow the courts to take action against those who cannot explain the source of their wealth".

The group also raised concerns about the lack of progress in prosecuting individuals implicated in the Panama Papers scandal and the ElectroGas scandal, which was revealed by Caruana Galizia.

Repubblika also criticized Prime Minister Abela's close ties to his predecessor, Joseph Muscat.

 "Robert Abela is the first guarantor of the impunity still enjoyed by Joseph Muscat and everyone who is involved in his criminality," the civil society said.

Repubblika warned that the environment for journalists and activists in Malta remains dangerous, and that those who work to uncover the truth and defend freedom and democracy in Malta must do so without fear of intimidation or harassment.

"While we do our job, we wait for the day when those who are guilty are held accountable, and those who work to defend freedom and the truth in Malta can do their work without threat or fear".