(Commonwealth_ Europe) This is the reality for many journalists, activists, and everyday people who speak out on issues that matter, from corruption and migration to the environment, women’s rights, and justice. A new report from the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), released today, doesn’t just highlight laws or policies; it shares something deeper: the fear, frustration, and courage of those trying to hold power to account in a country where doing so often comes at a personal cost.
ODIHR’s findings are based on dozens of conversations held during a fact-finding mission to Malta in March 2023. What emerged was a picture of a country where fundamental freedoms are eroding, not in one big moment, but slowly, through threats, intimidation, lawsuits, and silence.
People who dare to speak up described how they’ve been harassed online, threatened by strangers, or followed in the street. Some shared stories of receiving late-night phone calls, not just targeting them but frightening their families. Women talked about being spat on in public or physically confronted, attacked not just for their views but for who they are. Many now consider fear an integral part of their job.
And the hurt doesn’t stop there. Many told ODIHR that their work was twisted to look like partisan politics. Instead of being considered citizens working for change, they were branded as enemies, traitors even. They had their reputations tarnished. Some lost work opportunities. Others were told they were being too loud, too emotional, or too political. They faced these consequences simply for their refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice.
This environment didn’t happen by accident. The 2021 public inquiry into the brutal assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia made it painfully clear: the state had failed to protect her. Worse, it had contributed to a “climate of impunity” where attacking journalists and silencing dissent became routine. Yet, more than two years later, many of the inquiry’s most urgent recommendations—meant to ensure such a tragedy never happens again—still haven’t been implemented.
Journalists told ODIHR they’re still receiving threatening letters from powerful law firms, warning them to take down stories or face financial ruin. These lawsuits, often filed by those with deep pockets, aren’t about justice—they’re about shutting people up. Malta’s attempt to pass laws against these SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) has fallen short. The message is clear: if you speak out, you’re at your own risk.
Even getting basic public information is a struggle. Journalists described exhausting battles just to access documents that should be freely available. It’s not just slow; it’s expensive. Meanwhile, whistleblowers, the people who risk everything to expose wrongdoing, say they don’t feel safe. The law doesn’t do enough to protect them, and fear of retaliation keeps many quiet.
The silencing doesn’t stop with the press. Activists trying to honor Daphne Caruana Galizia’s memory by placing flowers, candles, or banners have had them removed over and over again. Some took the government to court and won. But the removals continued. It’s not just about banners. It’s about who gets to be heard and who gets erased.
Some organizations benefit from tax incentives or government secondments. But for many others, the picture is very different—one of fear, isolation, and exhaustion.
ODIHR’s message to Malta is simple: things need to change, urgently. The people defending human rights, investigating corruption, and holding power to account should not be afraid to do their work. They deserve respect, not ridicule. They should prioritize safety over slander.
Among the report’s recommendations are stronger protections for journalists and activists, real anti-SLAPP legislation with teeth, better access to public information, and honest, inclusive reform of media laws. Most importantly, it calls for a cultural shift, one where those in power recognize and respect the vital role of critical voices in a healthy democracy.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about journalists or activists; it’s about Malta itself. It’s about whether people feel secure enough to speak the truth. It’s about whether families can trust that standing up for what’s right won’t put their loved ones at risk. It’s about whether a society can grow when its boldest voices are silenced.
“Baseless lawsuits, threats, and smear campaigns not only endanger individuals,” the report warns. “They weaken democracy itself.”
ODIHR says it stands ready to help Malta move forward. But help only works if those in charge are willing to listen and to act. The courage to speak out already exists in Malta. What’s needed now is the courage to protect it.
