Dunja Mijatović, Representative on Freedom of the Media at the OSCE has welcomed several proposals in Malta's new proposed media law but called for further talks on provisions such as the registration of website editors and limitations on protection of sources.

The OSCE Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe conducted its legal analysis following a request by the Minister of Justice, Owen Bonnici.

“I welcome several provisions of the draft law, which, if adopted, would offer increased protection for journalistic work,” Mijatović said. “These provisions include the decriminalization of certain offences related to the activities of journalists and media outlets, the introduction of limits for civil liability in libel cases and the lowering of responsibility of website editors.”

She said that the dialogue with the authorities in Malta would continue in the coming weeks, as the legal analysis also pointed to certain elements in the draft law that need further improvement.

“Provisions granting special protection to public figures should be reconsidered, as well as the obligation for website editors to register before the Media Registrar. Source protection should be granted not only to journalists but also to those who engage in new forms of journalistic activities.” 

The planned new law, among other things, doubles the maximum penalty which a civil court my impose for libel to €20,000 while removing criminal libel.
The fine for slander will be raised to €10,000.

The Bill in full can be viewed by clicking on the pdf below.