In a detailed statement to The Brussels Morning Newspaper, MEP David Casa highlighted the serious implications of legal gag orders on press freedom and democratic accountability within the EU, especially in Malta. He emphasized the need for stronger protective measures for journalists at both EU and national levels and underlined the vital role investigative journalism plays in exposing public interest issues such as financial transparency and anti-money laundering.
Who is David Casa?
David Casa is a seasoned Maltese politician and Member of the European Parliament since 2004, making him Malta’s longest-serving MEP. He is a member of the Nationalist Party and affiliates with the European People’s Party. Casa has been actively involved in social rights, rule of law, and media freedom advocacy, holding key parliamentary roles including Co-Chair of the Media Working Group and Quaestor of the European Parliament.
On Broader Implications of Injunctions on Press Freedom
When asked by The Brussels Morning Newspaper about the broader implications of injunctions like the one against The Times of Malta, MEP David Casa warned,
“Legal gag orders on journalists undermine press freedom and democratic accountability. When investigative reporting is silenced, particularly in member states already struggling with rule of law issues, it sends a chilling message to the media across the EU. This is not just a Maltese problem — it’s a European one.”
He stressed the urgency of recognizing this challenge beyond national borders.
As he highlighted in his tweet on X,
The injunction that effectively gagged @TheTimesofMalta from publishing reporting on Papaya Ltd is of grave concern, an unprecedented & chilling attack on press freedom.
— David Casa (@DavidCasaMEP) August 4, 2025
Such censorship undermines democracy, the public’s right to know, and journalism in the public interest.
On EU Measures to Protect Journalists
Regarding measures the EU should take to protect journalists, Casa told The Brussels Morning that
“The Anti-SLAPP Directive is a vital first step, but it is not enough. Member States must also implement the Commission’s recommendation to extend these protections to purely domestic cases. Malta has so far failed to do this.”
He added,
“The European Media Freedom Act, which is now entering into force, sets a new benchmark for safeguarding media independence and protecting journalists — but it must be properly enforced at national level to be effective – we must be vigilant in ensuring that it is.”
Casa emphasized that
“The European Union must lead by example and remain at the forefront globally when it comes to defending journalists, ensuring media freedom, and standing up to those who seek to silence scrutiny.”
On the Critical Role of Investigative Journalism
Asked about the importance of investigative journalism in exposing complex issues like financial impropriety, David Casa highlighted the challenges journalists face:
“Financial impropriety and money laundering can cause huge public harm, yet they are very complex to expose and piece together. And the people committing them are normally well-resourced foes with teams of lawyers at the ready.”
He warned that
“Without the proper support, awareness, and an adequate legal framework, journalists risk being silenced for good. So it is not just the media that suffers — it is citizens’ right to know that is under threat.”
By articulating these concerns and recommendations, MEP David Casa urges the EU and its member states to strengthen media protections and safeguard the essential democratic function of investigative journalism.
