The Institute for Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has strongly condemned the filming of a journalist's laptop during a press conference held by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Wednesday afternoon.

Calling the incident an unacceptable threat to press freedom and source protection, the institute warned that attempting to intimidate reporters or illicitly uncover sources is a direct assault on freedom of speech.

Highlighting that this is part of a recurring pattern of behaviour, the IĠM outlined three potential motivations behind the act: publishing private photographs, intimidating media personnel, or gathering intelligence on confidential news sources.

The organization stated that it firmly denounces such conduct and is prepared to take formal action if these incidents persist.