IGM on Wednesday condemned in no uncertain terms the threats of physical violence levelled towards the editor and a reporter of news outlet SideStreet by an individual who barged into their office demanding they remove a video from their platform. 

If the person felt aggrieved by the publication of the video, he should have brought his grievance to the attention of the organisation in a calm and rational way, IGM said in a statement. 

The ultimate decision would rest with the organisation whether to comply with the request or not, the IGM said. 

"While IGM continues to advocate for fair reporting, it insists that the use of threatening language and bullying tactics towards journalists is never acceptable and should not be normalised. IGM stands in solidarity with the editor and reporter of SideStreet."

NGO Repubblika also condemned the incident.

"The right of citizens to be informed requires that journalists be allowed to do their job without threats or fear of violence," it said in a statement.

We call on the police to take immediate and decisive action in this case and to ensure that journalists are protected from such acts.

Repubblika said that the recommendations of the inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia - including those concerning the protection of journalists - have been left gathering dust on the shelf for three years.

It should not be dangerous to work as a journalist. It is the state's responsibility to ensure that this is not the case, Repubblika said, expresing its solidarity with Side Street.