PN: Government must ‘stop treating journalists like enemies’

The Nationalist Party is calling on the government to withdraw three media reform draft laws and instead publish a white paper

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s decision to “hide” a media committee’s report confirmed the government “still considers journalists as its enemy”, the PN said on Monday.

The government has been in possession of the committee’s report and recommendations since July.

Over 130 editors, journalists, activists and international press freedom organisations called on the government to publish the report without delay.

However, Robert Abela and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard insisted this would be done once Parliament reconvenes following its summer recess on 2 October.

The PN said it will be presenting a motion for the setting up of a committee to ensure that Parliament itself will carry out a public consultation as appropriate.