Malta’s Teachers Demand End to Colonial-Era Gag Law
In the heart of Valletta, under the watchful gaze of the Grandmaster’s Palace, teachers gathered, their voices echoing through the cobbled streets. They were not protesting for higher wages or better working conditions, but for something more fundamental – the right to speak freely.
Colonial-Era Law Silences Educators
Malta’s teachers find themselves muzzled by a law that predates independence. The Educazione Ordine, a colonial-era decree, prohibits teachers from making public statements that could be deemed critical of the government or the education system. This gag order, enacted under British rule in 1933, has been a thorn in the side of educators for decades, but it’s only recently that calls for its repeal have gained significant traction.
ADPD Leads the Charge
The Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) has been at the forefront of this campaign, with its parliamentary group, Partit Demokratiku (PD), pushing for the law’s repeal. MP and PD leader, Godfrey Farrugia, slammed the law, stating, “It’s an affront to freedom of speech and expression. Teachers should have the right to voice their concerns and contribute to public discourse without fear of reprisal.”
ADPD is not alone in its stance. The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) has also thrown its weight behind the campaign, with MUT President, Marco Bonnici, arguing, “Teachers should be able to discuss and debate educational issues openly, as this can only lead to improvements in our schools.”
International Pressure Mounts
International bodies have also weighed in on the issue. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has condemned the law, stating that it “violates the right to freedom of expression and undermines democracy.” The United Nations Human Rights Office has also expressed concern, urging Malta to repeal the law and ensure that teachers can exercise their right to freedom of expression.
Malta’s Education Minister, Owen Bonnici, has acknowledged the concerns but has been non-committal about a timeline for repeal. He stated, “We are looking into the matter, but we must ensure that any changes do not negatively impact the education system or the welfare of our students.”
However, with international pressure mounting and local support growing, it seems only a matter of time before the colonial-era gag is lifted, allowing Malta’s teachers to speak freely and contribute to the national conversation.
