Malta’s MP Targeted: The Rise of Internet Trolls

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Valletta, the sun casting its warm glow on the Grandmaster’s Palace. Now, picture a scene not so picturesque: a Maltese MP, David Agius, scrolling through his phone, his face growing pale as he reads comments on his social media posts. This isn’t a scene from a movie, but a reality many of our politicians face daily. Today, we look a disturbing trend that’s casting a long shadow over our digital scene – internet trolling.

Criticism is a part of politics, but when does it cross the line and become harassment? This is the question at the heart of the recent storm surrounding MP David Agius. The Nationalist MP found himself on the receiving end of a barrage of abusive comments, including one that urged him to take his own life. The comment, posted on a local news outlet’s Facebook page, was just one of many malicious messages Agius has received in recent months.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Politicians across the political spectrum have spoken out about the abuse they face online. In 2020, former Opposition Leader Bernard Grech revealed he had received death threats via social media. The same year, then-Minister Owen Bonnici spoke of the “hateful” messages he received. The list goes on.

Internet trolls come in many shapes and sizes. Some are anonymous, hiding behind fake profiles and sock puppet accounts. Others are all too real, their identities known but their actions inexcusable. Some trolls are driven by political ideology, others by sheer malice. A few, sadly, are simply misguided, believing their actions are part of a wider ‘debate’.

Psychologists have long studied the phenomenon of internet trolling. Some argue that trolls are driven by a desire for attention, others suggest it’s a way to act out aggressive impulses without real-world consequences. Whatever the motivation, the impact on the targets is real and profound.

MPs aren’t the only targets of online abuse. Journalists, activists, and even ordinary citizens have found themselves on the receiving end of troll attacks. So, what can be done? The first step is awareness. We need to acknowledge that online abuse is a real issue that affects real people.

Social media platforms have a role to play too. They must do more to combat abuse, from investing in better moderation tools to being more transparent about their policies. Legislation can also play a part. In 2019, Malta passed the Maltese Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, which includes provisions for online harassment. However, enforcement has been slow, and many argue the law doesn’t go far enough.

But change starts with us. We need to stand up for each other online, report abusive content when we see it, and remember that behind every screen is a real person. Let’s make Malta’s digital scene a place where respect and decency reign.

As MP David Agius himself said, “We need to create a safe environment where people can express their opinions without fear of abuse or harassment.” Let’s make that a reality.