IĠM reacts after OPM blogger attacks PN journalist investigating Cardona brothel claims

The Institute of Maltese Journalists, IĠM, yesterday condemned all forms of intimidation against members of the press, saying that efforts to undermine and ridicule journalists were unacceptable in a country that called itself democratic.

In a statement, the institute said it had noted various cases over the past weeks where editors and journalists had received threatening messages.

In another case, a journalist was subjected to ridicule just because he carried out his duties. It was referring to PN media journalist Mario Frendo, who last week travelled to the FKK Acapulco in Velbert, Germany, to investigate claims that Economy Minister Chris Cardona visited the brothel. Mr Frendo complained on Sunday that taxpayer-funded OPM blogger Glenn Bedingfield had written no fewer than seven blog posts with the aim of intimidating him.

Mr Bedingfield attacked Mr Frendo directly and made certain insinuations, saying he did not know what happened inside the brothel when the cameras were turned off.

The IĠM said it had also noted cases of journalists attacking each other. Over the past months l-Orizzont and it-Torċa, both owned by the General Workers Union, have engaged in mudslinging attempts against the independent media, in particular against The Malta Independent and Times of Malta. Some of these attacks were directed against the newspapers while others were directed at individual journalists.

“Anyone who undermines or hinders the work of journalists would only be threatening freedom of the press as guaranteed by the Maltese constitution. Journalists should be protected, not intimidated and all attacks on journalists are attacks on democracy.”

The IĠM said that in a political climate that is only getting harsher, it is requesting meetings with the communications officers of the government, the Opposition and all major political parties to hammer home its message of respect towards journalists.

Last month the IĠM slammed PN MP Jason Azzopardi, who reported a journalist to the police, claiming intimidation. Dr Azzopardi later withdrew the report and apologised.