Suspended Sentence for Online Threats Against Pro-Choice Activists

A court has handed down a suspended prison sentence to a man found guilty of hate speech over violent online threats made against six young women who staged a silent pro-choice protest in Valletta in June 2019.

The demonstration, held during EU Summit meetings, saw the women unfurl a banner that read: “Welcome to Malta, where women are incubators.” Although entirely peaceful, the protest sparked backlash, with two men in their twenties posting comments online that incited violence.

The activists, the youngest just 18 at the time, filed a police report out of concern for their safety. One of the men later admitted guilt and issued a public apology, while the second repeatedly ignored court orders and was only brought to court this week under police escort. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to issue a personal guarantee in favour of the activists.

In court, one protestor said the accused justified his remarks by referencing graphic anti-abortion videos, warning of the dangers of misinformation fueling hostility. Another described the verdict as “a victory for us” and a reminder that “sending people graphic death threats on the internet is not normal at all.”

The Voice for Choice Coalition welcomed the ruling, stressing that intimidation and hate speech have no place in a democratic society and praising the police for their handling of the case.