Malta: Free speech groups condemn government’s response to free speech concerns following Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination

Free speech groups have condemned the Government of Malta’s response to concerns about the state of freedom of expression in Malta following the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Free speech organisations have condemned the Government of Malta’s response to the UN’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) into the country’s human rights record.  ARTICLE 19, European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), PEN International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) will deliver a statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva today.

Head of Europe and Central Asia, Sarah Clarke said:

“UN members have highlighted serious concerns about freedom of expression in Malta and made recommendations, including a public inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.”

“The Maltese Government’s response demonstrates that they have no intention of carrying out a proper investigation into Caruana Galizia’s murder nor address the many issues that are threatening free speech in the country.”

“They can no longer pay lip service to addressing these threats.”

Read the full statement delivered at the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council on the adoption of Malta’s Universal Periodic Review.

For more information, contact Pam Cowburn, [email protected], 07749 785 932.