Representatives of ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the European Center for Press and Media Freedom, the European Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) returned to Malta to demand full criminal justice for the assassination of Caruana Galizia. , as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the landmark public inquiry report, and broader press freedom reforms to recognize journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy and to establish in law and in practice a safe and secure environment. suitable for all journalists working in Malta.

In a meeting with our representatives today in Valletta, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists, both in terms of framework and implementation. We welcome his commitment to maintain dialogue and consultation with civil society and journalists on ongoing reforms, and continue to offer our expertise and technical assistance.

We again welcome the findings of the public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Caruana Galizia and will closely follow the implementation of the main recommendations of the report of the commission of inquiry. We stress in particular the need for the full independence of the Committee of Experts, and to ensure that the terms of reference of the Commission are in line with international standards and that the composition of the Commission reflects the expertise in the role of the press in a democracy necessary to effectively undertake the full scope of responsibilities.

We note that this is an important opportunity for Malta to start repairing the damage done to its climate of press freedom and to its international image. We hope that the implementation of the recommendations of the public inquiry will represent a real turning point for the country, starting with the establishment of an independent commission of experts that reflects the set of skills required. We are ready to provide further assistance in this regard.

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ARTICLE 19

Committee to Protect Journalists

European Center for Press and Media Freedom

European Federation of Journalists

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)