Malta’s draft defamation and libel law raises concerns over internet freedom

Thousands of people protested in the streets of Malta on 19 February 2017 against a draft law on defamation and libel, which was expected to force news websites to register with the government.

The protest was organised by the main opposition party and aimed to campaign against the proposal, seen as a clampdown on freedom of speech.

• Primary Source

OSCE: Press Release, 15.02.17: OSCE Representative urges authorities in Malta to protect independent journalists and free expression http://www.osce.org/fom/299941

EUObserver, 20.02.17: Malta anger over plans for web crackdown https://euobserver.com/digital/136967

EUObserver, 24.02.17: Maltese minister: 'We're not censoring the internet' https://euobserver.com/digital/137019

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