The Institute of Maltese Journalists is appealing to members of parliament to vote in favour of amendments that strengthen anti-SLAPP legislation.

In view of the debate to be held in parliament this afternoon, the IĠM appeals to members of parliament to vote in favour of amendments proposed by the Opposition to the legal notice that introduced the EU anti-SLAPP directive.

The Opposition's amendments are intended to widen the protection for journalists and other persons to include SLAPP cases instituted in Malta. The current legal notice only offers protection from SLAPP cases instituted in foreign courts and are of a transnational nature, the statement said.

The IĠM said it believes it is crucial that protection from SLAPP cases also includes cases instituted in Maltese courts. The Opposition's amendments also aim to increase the penalties a court can impose on the party that initiates a SLAPP case to not less than €10,000 and not more than €100,000 from the current limit of not more than €10,000. The IĠM agrees with this proposal because its aim is to truly create a deterrent for those who want to initiate a SLAPP case.

The IĠM said that the anti-SLAPP legal notice enacted by the government last year provides for the minimum required by the EU directive, which is why it has to be strengthened further. The two amendments put forward by the Opposition are another step in the right direction. The IĠM recalls the promise made by the government to issue a White Paper for consultation on other reforms apart from SLAPP, intended to strengthen the protection of journalists and create an enabling environment for unshackled journalism. The reforms needed include changes to the Constitution, the Media and Defamation Act, the Criminal Code and other laws.

Nonetheless, despite the government promsing the White Paper in October 2023, we note with regret that it has yet to see the light of day. The IĠM said it will be present in Parliament to follow the debate, in the best interest of the sector it represents.