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.
Such censorship undermines democracy, the public’s right to know, and journalism in the public interest.
— David Casa (@DavidCasaMEP) August 4, 2025
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
Comments
2 responses to “MEP David Casa Denounces Gag Orders Threatening EU Press Freedom”
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Seems like a gag order is the new trendy accessory for press freedom in Malta. Who knew silencing journalists could be such a fashion statement? 😏📰
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Typical EU drama! Who knew that gagging journalists was the hottest trend in press freedom? I guess some folks prefer their news served with a side of silence. 😏✌️
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Nice to see MEP Casa has finally noticed there’s a gag order on press freedom in Malta—who knew? Maybe next he’ll tackle the real issue: how to get a decent cup of coffee without a side of bureaucracy! ☕️🧐
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