The chairperson of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, Karl Wright, shares his thoughts about free speech with Ronald Cassar. He also discusses the need for an update on the current Code of Ethics for journalists.
“One year on from the Charlie Hebdo massacre, one can feel a more moderate attitude and a more veiled criticism by journalists towards various religions,” claims the chairperson of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, Karl Wright.
“If it is self-restrained, it is welcomed, but if it is out of fear because journalists feel threatened, then it is a great pity.
“On the other hand, we have heard that the intention is to review local laws to make the vilification of religion, which until today is still prohibited, accepted. Personally, I do not see any gain to anyone if this law is abolished.
“I think everybody has a right to his religion and religions should not be ridiculed.”
In the aftermath of the killings of Charlie Hebdo’s editorial staff last year, the impression is that free speech is still suffering to this day, but Wright believes that journalists will keep carrying out their duty towards their viewers and readers without fear.
This is evident from the number of journalists that were arrested, and some even killed, in the discharge of their duties around the world, in recent years.
“From a local perspective, I don’t think Maltese journalists have been physically threatened, although we come across rare exceptions. That said, we have seen local journalists being threatened, verbally abused or criticised unjustly for carrying out their duties,” he said.
Unfortunately, since the code is not legally binding, journalists or media houses may ignore the Commission’s decisions and this is what happens in most cases
The Institute of Journalists has been campaigning for a long time to see criminal libel struck off the statute books. This has been promised by both political parties and is much overdue.
“The State should also abide by the law and be less economic with replies to journalists when it comes to the Freedom of Information Act.”
Some journalists’ questions still remain unanswered. In Wright’s view, this is also curtailing freedom of the press and free speech. With regards to the Code of Ethics, this needs urgent updating and Wright reveals that, in fact, the institute will be holding a national conference on the subject.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anġlu Farrugia, presenting Karl Wright with a copy of The State’s Duty to Inform,a book on the State’s responsibility and accountability to transparency, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuben Piscopo/DOI“A number of cases have been referred to the Ethics Commission and there are a number of decisions still to be taken.
“Unfortunately, since the code is not legally binding, journalists or media houses may ignore the Commission’s decisions and this is what happens in most cases.
“Although I believe that ethics should be self-imposed, there are instances when journalists cross the red line and this needs to be remedied,” he says.
On Tuesday, Wright met with the Speaker of the House of Parliament, Anġlu Farrugia, and proposed a joint effort between his office, the two political parties through their whips and the Institute of Maltese Journalists to hold a seminar to revisit the Code of Ethics – which was prepared by Carmen Sammut before Wright was elected chairperson – and to put forward new amendments which will bind all parties involved.
The Speaker embraced the idea and committed himself to further discussions on the subject.