The Commission on Human Rights first appointed a Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers in 1994 due to the increasing frequency of attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers and court officials and the link which exists between the weakening of safeguards for the judiciary and lawyers and the gravity and frequency of violations of human rights.
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Maltese Court rules that Access to Detention Centres by Public Watchdogs is key to holding authorities to account
A Maltese court, presided over by Mr. Justice Toni Abela, recently ruled that journalists, in their role as public watchdogs, must have access to detention centres in which migrants and asylum-seekers are held and to Corradino Correctional Facility [Emanuel Delia Vs L-Onorevoli Byron Camilleri et. Rikors Numru 201/20TA, December 2023]. In a case instituted by Maltese journalist Manuel Delia, it was argued that the refusal to allow access to journalists to detention and prison is a breach of the right to freedom of expression and allows for the actions of the authorities to be subject to public scrutiny.
Continue ReadingPublished: Input Paper on Access to Justice
The Strengthening Access to Justice for Improved Human Rights Protection project has as its objective the improving of access to justice for individuals wishing to strengthen their human rights protection in those instances when they feel that they have been violated. Whilst Malta has a relatively strong human rights regime that seeks to protect a long list of fundamental human rights, the practical protection offered to persons whose rights have been violated or might be violated is rather weak.
Continue ReadingHybrid – Judicial Independence Workshop – Malta
It is with great pleasure that we are launching to the second Judicial Independence Workshop which will be held in Malta, on the 23rd and 24th November 2023, at the Corinithia Marina Resort in St. Julians. Particpants from Malta have the unique opportunity to attend either in-person or online, whilst participants from overseas can attend online. Anyone interested in particpating, please send Carla an email.
Continue ReadingThe Anti-SLAPP Directive: A Good fit for Maltese Law?
Earlier in 2023, the Chamber of Advocates and aditus Foundation delivered an information session on the growing phenomenon of litigation aimed at stifling public participation, more commonly called SLAPPs.
Since that date, the European Parliament has approved a first draft of the Anti-SLAPP Directive (Directive 2022/0117), which was subsequently referred to the European Council – which in turn appears to favour a watered-down version of the proposed directive. The final text of the Directive is not yet approved, and will depend on the feedback received from the various member states if it is to be amended.
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