The Nationalist Party gathered representatives of civil society and business organisations at its headquarters last Friday as to announce that it will propose an Anti-Mafia Law and a wider package of reforms if the government continues resisting the implementation of recommendations made by the public inquiry into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Opposition Leader Alex Borg told the meeting that the PN intends to present an omnibus bill containing a series of reforms aimed at implementing outstanding recommendations of the inquiry, including the criminalisation of participation in mafia-style organisations, obstruction of justice and abuse of public office. The package is also expected to include unexplained wealth orders, stronger anti-SLAPP protections and constitutional protection for journalism.
The announcement follows the government’s refusal to debate a PN motion to implement all outstanding recommendations of the public inquiry by the end of October.
The proposed reforms revive legislation first presented by the Nationalist Party under Bernard Grech in January 2022, when the Opposition introduced a package of 12 bills following the publication of the public inquiry.
The 2022 proposal itself specifically defined membership in a criminal association with a mafia-like character as a new criminal offence. The proposal reflected calls made following the public inquiry for Malta to introduce legislation similar to the Italian offence of “associazione di stampo mafioso”, or mafia-type association.
There was a particularly sombre and heavy mood during Friday’s meeting, which was attended by Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association President Tony Zahra, together with representatives from civil society, NGOs and other stakeholders.
Several of those present expressed deep disappointment following the jury verdict that acquitted Yorgen Fenech of charges that he had commissioned and financed Caruana Galizia’s murder.
The meeting was also intended as a consultation exercise before the PN finalises the legislation, with stakeholders expected to submit their own proposals and amendments before the bill is formally presented in Parliament.
Website Editor
Historian and Publisher
Leave a Reply