Diana Riba pays tribute to Daphne Caruana Galiza and calls for stronger protection for journalists.

EFA MEP Diana Riba i Giner intervened in plenary today to commemorate the 6th anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galiza’s murder, a Maltese journalist killed in 2017 while she was investigating corruption in the Maltese government. 

 

MEP Riba highlighted that in the same debate a year ago, she already called for stronger legislation so this does not happen again, Riba talked about the Anti-SLAPP directive and the Media Freedom Act to protect the media and journalists.  

 

“One year later, we are already negotiating with the Council and the Commission two very important pieces of legislation to ensure the protection of journalists, media freedom and freedom of expression: the anti-SLAPP directive and the Media Freedom Act. Both of these are destined to be basic pillars of our democracy.“ She said. 

 

The Catalan MEP also urged wider progress on the investigation of Daphne’s assassination, as the perpetrators of the crime are yet to be sentenced, while the family still seeks for justice. 

 

“A year ago I also denounced the fact that those who ordered and paid for Daphne's murder were still at large. This, unfortunately, is still the case today. We again call on the Maltese authorities to speed up the trials and investigations and to end the climate of hostility towards journalists and the media. “

 

Diana finished addressing Daphne’s memory and her legacy in this house.

 

"Daphne, your legacy is more alive than ever and serves as a guide for us to move towards a better society." She concluded.