NGO Repubblika on Thursday expressed solidarity with the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) and all journalists that work in Malta under threat from Maltese authorities. It said that these are the same threats that the public inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia found that the government was responsible for.

On Wednesday, the government shot down a PN motion to introduce amendments to legislation which implemented the EU's anti-SLAPP directives - otherwise known as Daphne's Law, named after Maltese assassinated journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia. The amendments were intended to give better protection to journalists, but the government voted against.

Repubblika said that it is "unacceptable" that instead of implementing the recommendations of the public inquiry, the government is making it more difficult for journalists to practice in Malta and instil fear amongst them. It noted how during yesterday's parliamentary sitting, the government "threw out constructive proposals" by the Opposition and threatened add "more tools" for those who wish to intimidate journalists to hide the truth.

Repubblika pointed out that the amendments put forth by the Opposition on Wednesday were a "good start" for "very necessary reforms." It continued that the government's vote against was done without any prior consultation with "[the government's] only interest being to protect the government through its actions and the interests of those who wish to hide the truth. The only interest the government wishes to safeguard is its own."

Repubblika said that on Wednesday evening the Prime Minister Robert Abela said that in 2023 the government wanted to amend the law to allegedly protect journalists but was never done due to "the usual resistance." It said, however, that in 2023 when Abela wanted to amend the law, a request was made for effective consultation.

Repubblika pointed out that for a sector to request consultation on a law that affects it is not "usual resistance" but a normal part of a working democracy. Furthermore, it said that in 2023 the government promised a white paper for public discussion which has yet to surface.

Repubblika said that the annual report on the rule of law by the European Commission, year in, year out, reminded the government that a formal framework for consultation on amendments to the law is necessary. It noted that the government has, so far, refused to do so.