The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) on Tuesday expressed its deep concern regarding a recent online podcast during which a person convicted of sexually harassing a minor, who was also his employee, was given space to freely "justify" his actions.
TVM presenter Ricky Caruana on his private podcast had Justin Haber as a guest. The Court of Appeal recently dismissed an appeal by Justin Haber, confirming his conviction for sexually harassing a teenage employee and ruling that the original punishment was fully justified given the seriousness of the offence.
The NCPE said that, as the national equality body whose remit includes, among other aspects, sexual harassment in the sphere of employment, cases of gender-based violence such as this one are characterised by a power imbalance between the victim and the perpetrator.
"Allowing the perpetrator media space to excuse his actions and vilify the victim is highly reprehensible, as it further increases the perpetrator's power, places the victim in an even more vulnerable position, and results in her re-victimisation. Moreover, such actions have a negative social impact, as they discourage other victims from reporting their cases and contribute to the normalisation of abuse. In this case, the fact that the perpetrator has been definitively found guilty by a court renders the situation extremely serious and wholly condemnable."
The NCPE also said that the same individual who provided a platform to a convicted sexual abuser has "previously engaged in misogynistic behaviour."
The NCPE reiterated its call to the relevant authorities to ensure that individuals in public roles uphold standards of correctness and refrain from causing social harm.
"Individuals who occupy official public positions, particularly within the broadcasting sector, carry an enhanced responsibility due to their influence on public attitudes and perceptions. Where such individuals fail to uphold these standards, they should no longer occupy public roles nor receive public funding."