Time for a rethink on criminal libel laws, Muscat says

Weeks dominated by libel suits and criminal defamation proceedings have sent a costly reminder that Malta's press laws have still not yet jettisoned imprisonment as the highest form of punishment for criminal libel and defamation.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat today said he was in agreement that criminal libel should be discussed and reformed, while saying that even the ban on news on the day of reflection - the day before people go to vote - should be given a rethink.

Muscat was fielding questions by the press following a visit at Betsonn gaming company.

"Criminal libel is one of the reforms that needs to be discussed. We must see what type of legislation can help the media to do its work, but that at the same time make sure that the media is aware of its responsibilities," Muscat said, adding that a Labour government would be open to reforms.

Asked whether he agreed with Labour candidate Manuel Mallia's decision to seek imprisonment in the defamation case he instituted against PN secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier, Muscat said that this was currently available under Maltese law and Mallia was availing of this law. 

Muscat was also asked what sense did election silence on the day of reflection make, barring media from reporting and discussing any political items the day before the election, when the same discussions would be carried out in the social media world.

Muscat conceded that it was time to carry a holistic review of the law, including that of the votes, to reflect the times of the day. "The law on the day of reflection was written at a time when there existed only newspapers, television and radio. Today, these conventional means are almost becoming secondary... One surely cannot censure the Internet," Muscat added.