{"id":2495,"date":"2025-12-12T07:43:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T07:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=2495"},"modified":"2026-02-01T09:10:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T09:10:38","slug":"dmm-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=2495","title":{"rendered":"DMM NEWS."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DONINU-MALTA-MEDIA-DECLARATION.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of DONINU MALTA MEDIA DECLARATION.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-69189923-9136-4ae5-b773-4c97b458d2cd\" href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DONINU-MALTA-MEDIA-DECLARATION.pdf\">DONINU MALTA MEDIA DECLARATION<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DONINU-MALTA-MEDIA-DECLARATION.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-69189923-9136-4ae5-b773-4c97b458d2cd\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" controls src=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/news-jingle-good.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the News Jingle only:<br><br><strong>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 \u2014 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Everyone has the right to ask why this is being allowed to happen in a democratic country, where the laws of the nation \u2014 even the Maltese Constitution \u2014 are being breached.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>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 \u2014 why they were made, and why certain authorities attempted to intimidate us in the hope of stopping the investigative journalist from continuing the investigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But I remained here. I continued investigating, because that is the duty of a journalist: to bring the truth to the people \u2014 and nothing but the truth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thank you from the heart,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pierre Calleja<br>Investigative Journalist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"453\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Press-card-B-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2527\" style=\"width:185px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Press-card-B-2.jpg 453w, https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Press-card-B-2-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Doninu Malta Media Mobile (News Room) +356 79793332<br>Doninu Malta Media Email: doninu.media@gmail.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Others: Whatsapp: +356 79736657<br>Doninu (Malta) International HelpLine: +356 79793332<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can an investigative journalist publish the name, position, and photo of a public official who is abusing power?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" controls src=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/journalist-cover-law.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The laws of Malta, the Constitution, and European legislation all give full authority to journalists to publish the <strong>name and surname of a public official<\/strong>, as well as their <strong>photograph and official position<\/strong>, in the media whenever exposing <strong>abuse of power<\/strong> committed by that official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A journalist has the full right to ask any questions that are relevant and in the <strong>public interest<\/strong>. If the official fails to reply within a reasonable time, the journalist is legally entitled to <strong>publish everything<\/strong>, including the unanswered questions, so that the official cannot later claim that they were not given the right to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are now moving forward together in a process that has been ongoing for nearly <strong>three full years<\/strong>, during which we will present, openly and transparently, all evidence showing the <strong>abuse of power<\/strong> committed against <strong>Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attempts were made to silence me \u2014 but you did not succeed.<br>We remain honest, transparent, and committed to the truth in everything we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pierre Calleja<\/strong><br>Investigative Journalist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Maltese Constitution \u2013 Freedom of Expression (Article 41)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Constitution of Malta, Article 41:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cExcept 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)\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This is <strong>the supreme law in Malta<\/strong> and guarantees the right of everyone \u2014 including journalists \u2014 to communicate information freely. It covers <strong>public expression and publication<\/strong> and is the constitutional foundation for free press. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><br>The only limits allowed must be <strong>\u201creasonably required\u201d<\/strong> for public safety, reputation of others, etc., and must be <strong>justifiable in a democratic society<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Media and Defamation Law \u2013 Public Interest Defence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Media and Defamation Act (Cap. 579), Article 5:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cIt is a defence to an action for defamation for the defendant to show that \u2013<\/strong><br>(a) the statement complained of was, or formed part of, a statement on a <em>matter of public interest<\/em>; and<br>*<em>(b) the defendant reasonably believed that publishing the statement complained of was in the public interest.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that, <strong>even if a publication harms someone\u2019s reputation<\/strong>, a journalist can defend themselves in court by showing it was <strong>about a matter of public interest<\/strong> and that they <strong>reasonably believed<\/strong> publication was in the public interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is crucial: publishing an official\u2019s name, photo, and alleged abuse of power can be protected <em>if<\/em> it is a genuine public interest issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Data Protection Law \u2013 Journalistic Exemption (GDPR &amp; Cap. 586)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>GDPR \u2013 Article 85 (Freedom of Expression &amp; Information)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the EU GDPR, Member States must balance privacy rights with freedom of expression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>GDPR Article 85(1):<\/strong><br><em>\u201cMember States shall\u2026 reconcile the right to the protection of personal data\u2026 with the right to freedom of expression and information, including processing for journalistic purposes\u2026\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This means: <strong>Maltese law must allow journalists to process (publish) personal data<\/strong> <strong>(e.g., names\/photos)<\/strong> where necessary for information and news reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maltese Data Protection Act (Cap. 586)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Malta\u2019s implementation of the GDPR includes provisions (including in national secondary law) that allow <strong>derogations\/exemptions<\/strong> for <strong>journalistic purposes<\/strong>, because complying fully with data protection rules would otherwise conflict with freedom of expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice this means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A journalist <strong>may lawfully publish personal data<\/strong> if it is necessary and justified by <strong>substantial public interest<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The law legally recognises that <strong>journalistic freedom of expression<\/strong> can outweigh strict privacy rules when reporting matters of public importance. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. European Human Rights Law \u2013 Article 10 ECHR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not Maltese domestic statute, the <strong>European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>directly enforceable in Maltese courts via the European Convention Act (Cap. 319)<\/strong> \u2014 also protects press freedom:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ECHR Article 10:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cEveryone 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\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>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.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly emphasised that coverage of public officials and matters of public interest is strongly protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Media Practice and Case Law (General Principles)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While not always codified, courts in Malta and European courts have held that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Public officials have a lower expectation of privacy<\/strong> where their role is connected to public matters. <br><strong>Reporting on abuse of power is a cornerstone of press freedom.<\/strong><br><strong>The public interest defence<\/strong> is a recognised defence in defamation law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How These Laws Work Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Law \/ Source<\/th><th>Key Principle<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Constitution (Art. 41)<\/strong><\/td><td>Freedom of expression, including in media. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Media and Defamation Act<\/strong><\/td><td>Public interest defence if publication is reasonable and true.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>GDPR &amp; Cap. 586<\/strong><\/td><td>Journalistic exemption allows processing (publication) of names\/photos for public-interest reporting. <\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>ECHR Article 10<\/strong><\/td><td>Right to impart information, especially public interest matters. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary of Important Legal Texts (Quoted)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Constitution, Article 41:<\/strong><br><em>\u201cNo person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression\u2026 including freedom to communicate ideas and information\u2026\u201d<\/em> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Media &amp; Defamation Act (Cap. 579), Article 5:<\/strong><br><em>\u201cIt is a defence\u2026 that the statement\u2026 was on a matter of public interest and the defendant reasonably believed that publishing it was in the public interest.\u201d<\/em> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GDPR (EU Regulation) \u2013 Article 85:<\/strong><br><em>\u201cMember States shall\u2026 reconcile the right to the protection of personal data\u2026 with the right to freedom of expression\u2026 including processing for journalistic purposes\u2026\u201d<\/em> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important Legal Interpretation Points<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Journalistic publication of names, roles, and photos<\/strong> is generally lawful when reporting on public-interest issues (like abuse of power).<br><strong>Any publication can be challenged<\/strong> (e.g., defamation claim), but the <strong>public interest defence<\/strong> is strong if based on facts and reasonable belief.<br><strong>Data protection law explicitly recognises exceptions for journalism<\/strong> so long as processing is necessary for public interest.<br><strong>Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected<\/strong>, and restrictions must be justified and proportionate. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u2014 not just through words, but through solid evidence: &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=2495\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;DMM NEWS.&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2495","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2495"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2581,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2495\/revisions\/2581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}