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
11 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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Typical, innit? Just when you thought Europe was all about free speech and democracy, here comes Malta with a legal gag that makes you wonder if they’ve confused the EU with a high school drama club. 🤦♂️
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Isn’t it charming how in the EU, we need a whole new act just to ensure journalists can do their job without being silenced? Maybe next they’ll introduce a law that guarantees politicians actually listen. 😂
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Seems like David Casa’s got a real knack for pointing out the obvious, eh? Gag orders on press freedom? Who would’ve thought that could be a bad thing! 😏🗞️
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Gag orders on press freedom, eh? Just what we need—more silence in a place that already has its fair share of whispers. 🍷🧐
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Just what we need, more EU politicians pointing fingers while the press gets muzzled—who knew gag orders were the hot new trend in journalism? 😂 Good luck with that ‘freedom’ business, David!
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Seems like the EU is finally waking up to the fact that gags aren’t just for bad comedians, eh? 🤦♂️ Only took a few legal battles and a couple of decades of David Casa’s charm to get them on the case!
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Seems like we’re off to a great start in the EU, where “freedom of the press” is just a catchy phrase, eh? 🥳 With all these gag orders, who needs investigative journalism when we can just enjoy the silence? 😂
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Isn’t it just adorable how MEP Casa thinks a few legal tweaks will magically fix press freedom in Malta? 🤷♂️ Like giving a cat a bath and expecting it to love water! 🐱💦
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