This is the News Jingle only:
This is the opening statement of the news series that we will be publishing, where we will ask direct questions to the authorities. We firmly believe that the Maltese and Gozitan people have the right to know the whole truth — not just through words, but through solid evidence: videos, photos, documents, and official emails. The public deserves to see with their own eyes the abuse of power being carried out by certain public officials.
Everyone has the right to ask why this is being allowed to happen in a democratic country, where the laws of the nation — even the Maltese Constitution — are being breached.
All this will reach you with the full evidence in this video. Those who must answer will have the opportunity to respond. We will show the corruption and the false allegations made against Doninu (Malta) International — why they were made, and why certain authorities attempted to intimidate us in the hope of stopping the investigative journalist from continuing the investigation.
But I remained here. I continued investigating, because that is the duty of a journalist: to bring the truth to the people — and nothing but the truth.
Thank you from the heart,
Pierre Calleja
Investigative Journalist
Doninu Malta Media Mobile (News Room) +356 79371678
Doninu Malta Media Email: doninu.media@gmail.com
Others: Whatsapp: +356 79736657
Doninu (Malta) International HelpLine: +356 79793332
Can an investigative journalist publish the name, position, and photo of a public official who is abusing power?
The laws of Malta, the Constitution, and European legislation all give full authority to journalists to publish the name and surname of a public official, as well as their photograph and official position, in the media whenever exposing abuse of power committed by that official.
A journalist has the full right to ask any questions that are relevant and in the public interest. If the official fails to reply within a reasonable time, the journalist is legally entitled to publish everything, including the unanswered questions, so that the official cannot later claim that they were not given the right to respond.
We are now moving forward together in a process that has been ongoing for nearly three full years, during which we will present, openly and transparently, all evidence showing the abuse of power committed against Doninu (Malta) International.
Attempts were made to silence me — but you did not succeed.
We remain honest, transparent, and committed to the truth in everything we do.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Pierre Calleja
Investigative Journalist
1. Maltese Constitution – Freedom of Expression (Article 41)
Constitution of Malta, Article 41:
“Except with his own consent or by way of parental discipline, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons)….”
This is the supreme law in Malta and guarantees the right of everyone — including journalists — to communicate information freely. It covers public expression and publication and is the constitutional foundation for free press.
Limitations:
The only limits allowed must be “reasonably required” for public safety, reputation of others, etc., and must be justifiable in a democratic society.
2. Media and Defamation Law – Public Interest Defence
Media and Defamation Act (Cap. 579), Article 5:
“It is a defence to an action for defamation for the defendant to show that –
(a) the statement complained of was, or formed part of, a statement on a matter of public interest; and
*(b) the defendant reasonably believed that publishing the statement complained of was in the public interest.”
This means that, even if a publication harms someone’s reputation, a journalist can defend themselves in court by showing it was about a matter of public interest and that they reasonably believed publication was in the public interest.
This is crucial: publishing an official’s name, photo, and alleged abuse of power can be protected if it is a genuine public interest issue.
3. Data Protection Law – Journalistic Exemption (GDPR & Cap. 586)
GDPR – Article 85 (Freedom of Expression & Information)
Under the EU GDPR, Member States must balance privacy rights with freedom of expression:
GDPR Article 85(1):
“Member States shall… reconcile the right to the protection of personal data… with the right to freedom of expression and information, including processing for journalistic purposes…”
This means: Maltese law must allow journalists to process (publish) personal data (e.g., names/photos) where necessary for information and news reporting.
Maltese Data Protection Act (Cap. 586)
Malta’s implementation of the GDPR includes provisions (including in national secondary law) that allow derogations/exemptions for journalistic purposes, because complying fully with data protection rules would otherwise conflict with freedom of expression.
In practice this means:
- A journalist may lawfully publish personal data if it is necessary and justified by substantial public interest.
- The law legally recognises that journalistic freedom of expression can outweigh strict privacy rules when reporting matters of public importance.
4. European Human Rights Law – Article 10 ECHR
Although not Maltese domestic statute, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) — directly enforceable in Maltese courts via the European Convention Act (Cap. 319) — also protects press freedom:
ECHR Article 10:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority…”
EU and Malta must interpret local law consistently with ECHR protections. (This is standard human rights interpretation in Maltese law: the ECHR is a binding standard.)
The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly emphasised that coverage of public officials and matters of public interest is strongly protected.
5. Media Practice and Case Law (General Principles)
While not always codified, courts in Malta and European courts have held that:
Public officials have a lower expectation of privacy where their role is connected to public matters.
Reporting on abuse of power is a cornerstone of press freedom.
The public interest defence is a recognised defence in defamation law.
How These Laws Work Together
| Law / Source | Key Principle |
|---|---|
| Constitution (Art. 41) | Freedom of expression, including in media. |
| Media and Defamation Act | Public interest defence if publication is reasonable and true. |
| GDPR & Cap. 586 | Journalistic exemption allows processing (publication) of names/photos for public-interest reporting. |
| ECHR Article 10 | Right to impart information, especially public interest matters. |
Summary of Important Legal Texts (Quoted)
- Constitution, Article 41:
“No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression… including freedom to communicate ideas and information…” - Media & Defamation Act (Cap. 579), Article 5:
“It is a defence… that the statement… was on a matter of public interest and the defendant reasonably believed that publishing it was in the public interest.” - GDPR (EU Regulation) – Article 85:
“Member States shall… reconcile the right to the protection of personal data… with the right to freedom of expression… including processing for journalistic purposes…”
Important Legal Interpretation Points
Journalistic publication of names, roles, and photos is generally lawful when reporting on public-interest issues (like abuse of power).
Any publication can be challenged (e.g., defamation claim), but the public interest defence is strong if based on facts and reasonable belief.
Data protection law explicitly recognises exceptions for journalism so long as processing is necessary for public interest.
Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, and restrictions must be justified and proportionate.