NGOs Urge EU: Keep Malta’s Justice System Under Scrutiny
In the heart of Valletta, at the doors of the Grandmaster’s Palace, a group of NGOs gathered this week, their voices echoing through the historic streets. They weren’t there for a tourist snapshot, but to send a clear message to the European Union: Malta’s justice system needs continued scrutiny.
EU’s Scrutiny: A Necessary Watchful Eye
The European Union has been keeping a close eye on Malta’s rule of law, following concerns raised by the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. The EU’s Article 7 procedure, a tool to protect the EU’s fundamental values, was triggered against Malta in 2020. Now, NGOs like Repubblika, Aditus, and the Malta Institute of Journalists are urging the EU to maintain this pressure.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” says Helena Dalli, a spokesperson for Repubblika. “We’ve seen progress, but it’s slow, and there’s still much to be done.”
Malta’s Journey Towards Rule of Law
Malta has made strides in its justice reform journey. The appointment of a new Attorney General and the establishment of a new anti-corruption agency, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), are steps in the right direction. Yet, NGOs argue that these are just initial steps, and the real test lies in their implementation and impact.
Take, for instance, the case of Yorgen Fenech, the businessman accused of masterminding Caruana Galizia’s murder. His trial is ongoing, but it’s a complex process that has raised eyebrows. “We need to see these high-profile cases through to the end, with justice served,” says Dalli.
EU’s Role: More Than Just Words
The EU’s role is not just to monitor, but to actively engage and support Malta’s reform process. This could mean providing technical assistance, encouraging dialogue, and ensuring that EU funds are tied to concrete reforms. “We’re not asking for special treatment,” says Dalli. “Just fair treatment, based on the principles of the rule of law that the EU stands for.”
In the end, it’s about more than just Malta. It’s about sending a clear message to other EU member states that the rule of law is non-negotiable. As Dalli puts it, “We’re not just fighting for justice in Malta. We’re fighting for justice in Europe.”
