The Institute of Maltese Journalists was having talks with the government and Opposition to address the independence of the media, recently flagged by MEPs.

A delegation from the European Parliament that visited Malta late last year to look into the rule of law concluded that an assessment of media pluralism and independence from political power should be conducted.

The institute’s chairwoman, Norma Saliba, said talks were being held with both the government and the Opposition to explore ways and means for the sector to self-regulate “without any political ties”.

The MEPs said interference with the media, judiciary must be limited

She noted that for the institute to be in a better position to defend journalists, apart from securing the necessary resources to be able to operate without any restrictions, it required the support of all media houses and journalists.

She did not elaborate on what sort of resources the institute was after.

Following their visit to Malta, the MEPs, who also met individual journalists, also said that work was needed to ensure a stronger system of checks and balances within the Maltese legislative framework to better separate powers and to limit possible interference by the Prime Minister in the judiciary and the media.

At a recent debate on freedom of speech, institute treasurer Mario Schiavone said it was no use having good laws unless they were enforced, insisting that the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia last October brought to the fore concerns on freedoms.

He called it disappointing that requests made in terms of the Freedom of Information Act were being turned down by the government. Such situations, Mr Schiavone argued, restricted journalists and made it difficult for them to carry out their duties.

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