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PN’s Motion To Strengthen Journalism And Freedom Of Expression

PN’s Motion To Strengthen Journalism And Freedom Of Expression
Local

In Parliament, the Nationalist Party proposed the appointment of a Select Committee of the House to immediately investigate, carry out a broad consultation and make recommendations to Parliament on the state of journalism and the exercise of the right fundamental of freedom of expression in our country.

PN Leader Bernard Grech said that on the occasion of the sixth year since the assassination of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, he is publicly inviting the Prime Minister to discuss and approve this motion, as a sign of commitment in favour of the protection of journalists and freedom of expression in our country.

During the news conference, Bernard Grech recalled how in July 2021 the report of the Board of Inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia had been published, through which it was recommended that the State should examine in depth the state of journalism and the exercise of the fundamental right of freedom of expression in our country.

The PN Leader said the Government has been dragging its feet for more than two years to carry out the recommendations of the Public Inquiry.

The motion presented also states that:

– The Selected Committee shall be composed and chaired by the Speaker of the House and in his absence by the Deputy Speaker of the House and shall also be composed of three members nominated by the Prime Minister and three members nominated by the Leader of Opposition, and each side of the House must nominate three substitute members;

– The Select Committee will be able to regulate its procedure despite any provision of the Standing Orders of the House and to listen and/or receive opinions, suggestions and recommendations of civil society and the public in general;

– The Select Committee must immediately begin its work and must complete and present its report no later than three months from the date when the Government publishes the white paper with the drafts of new laws.

Bernard Grech also announced that he will be nominating the Deputies Karol Aquilina, Claudette Buttigieg and Graham Bencini to be members of this Selected Committee. He encouraged the Prime Minister to nominate three members so that the Committee can start its work in the shortest possible time.

At the news conference, the PN Leader was accompanied by the Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar, and MPs Karol Aquilina, Claudette Buttigieg and Graham Bencini.

#MaltaDaily