In a climate of fear, journalists are the victims

Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s stories were often read by more people than all of Malta’s newspapers put together. She was the voice of reason, and conscience in her small country as others cowered when confronted by the trio of power, money and influence. Her last Running Commentary (that’s what she called it) on daphnecaruanagalizia.com, posted at 2.35pm on Monday read: “That crook Schembri was in court today, pleading that he is not a crook.” That’s the way she practiced her journalism — free, frank and fearless. Her foes could not handle her reportage and decided to silence her by blowing up her car as she drove from home. A cowardly crime that has parallels to the killing of Indian editor Gauri Lankesh who was gunned down last month in Bengaluru. What Daphne and other brave journalists brought to light two years ago was huge. It was researched, investigated, planned, written and rolled out over several months. The Panama Papers rocked the world when it was simultaneously published in several global newspapers (not social media) It took down some corrupt politicians but a majority remain untouched, unflinching even when the evidence stares them in the face. Shame’s not a dirty word in the corridors of power it seems. Daphne’s killing reveals the extent people in power can go to stop the truth from seeing the light of day. This Committee to Protect Journalists says 27 reporters were killed in the line of duty this year. News organisations are on the frontlines of real journalism but social media behemoths like Facebook, Google and Twitter are getting undue credit for their roles as content disseminators and curators. The medium is often put before the message (or the messenger), and committed journalists are paying the price — with their lives. The world is a less safer place with fake news and propaganda. Real media companies need-fresh commitments and investments to break free and speak out in defence of truth and justice.