The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has noted "with regret that for the special court session held today to mark the start of the Judicial Year, photographers and camerapersons employed with the media were not allowed to attend."

"Only the DOI photographers, and photographers for the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the President were allowed in. After asking for an explanation from the Court Services Agency for this behaviour, IĠM was informed that the decision was taken by the Chief Justice. IĠM was given no explanation for the decision." IĠM feels this decision went against the spirit of the Constitution that protects freedom of expression.

"After all, magistrates and judges are not a secret sect and should never act as if they are. While the IĠM understands concerns raised when the faces of members of the judiciary are published in the media, this should never lead to a situation where the judiciary works in secret. After all, our judicial system is public and that is how it should stay. In the past, it was always a tradition for photographers and camerapersons to be allowed inside and take photos and footage of this unique occasion characterised by the Chief Justice's speech. Regrettably, the Chief Justice this year chose to roll back the clock."

No photos were sent to the media via the Department of Information, as was usually the practice.

In a statement later in the day, the Chief Justice said: "It appears that there was a communication shortcoming, which led to what occurred, and it was certainly not the Chief Justice's intention for there to be such a prohibition. In no year, as long as has been Chief Justice, has there been any prohibition preventing local media houses from attending the session and taking photographs or footage of the proceedings. What happened this year was the result of a genuine mistake, for which the Chief Justice extends his sincere apology."