The Institute of Maltese Journalists has called for a reform of libel laws as it expressed solidarity with two Times of Malta journalists faced with a warrant of seizure over their financial assets before the conclusion of all open Constitutional procedures.
It said it felt the court decision was unjustified.
The institute said it was a known fact and the practice that damages journalists were ordered to pay are paid by media houses and not individuals.
It said the warrant was a step back and a direct threat to journalism.
It expressed solidarity with Mr Mallia and Ms Massa, who, it said, were treated as if they were criminals for losing a libel case and called for a reform of libel laws as promised by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici during a meeting with the institute last April.