Ritratt u filmati: Erika LanzafameA new alert has been registered on the Mapping Media Freedom platform after a government-appointed official publicly targeted a journalist who reported on a controversial, publicly funded regeneration project at Ta’ Qali.
The incident occurred on 18 December 2025, when Jason Micallef, a special delegate appointed by Prime Minister Robert Abela and director of the Ta’ Qali parks, published a Facebook post personally attacking Christine Mamo, a Newsbook Malta journalist.
The post followed Newsbook’s reporting and video coverage on the gravel project at the Ta’ Qali picnic area, a regeneration initiative overseen by Micallef. In the footage published shortly before the post, Mamo reported that vegetation had failed to grow in several areas where grass had been replaced by gravel, contradicting earlier assurances that greenery would emerge following rainfall.
In his post, Micallef accused the journalist of launching what he described as “hysterical attacks” under the guise of journalism. He characterised her reporting as partisan and unprofessional, alleging political motivation linked to her previous employment with NET News. The post included several photographs of the journalist and asserted that Micallef had the right to publicly “expose” journalists he claimed were acting with a personal or political agenda.
The post also referenced Matthew Mamo, a former journalist with Newsbook and NET News who later worked at the Office of the President.
The Ta’ Qali gravel project had already been the subject of sustained public scrutiny, following reports that the replacement of grass with gravel resulted from a €311,000 direct order. Multiple media organisations had reported on the issue in the months leading up to the incident.
The Institute of Maltese Journalists condemned the post, describing it as an attempt to intimidate a journalist for scrutinising decisions taken by a public official. The institute warned that publicly identifying journalists by name and image exposes them to harassment and said such behaviour is incompatible with democratic standards. It called on Micallef to remove the post and issue a public apology.
Similar criticism was voiced by PEN Malta, which said the use of multiple images amounted to the demonisation of a journalist and increased the risk of abuse. The organisation stressed that publicly funded officials have a duty to answer journalists’ questions on matters of public interest and cautioned that personal attacks contribute to a hostile environment for media workers, particularly given Malta’s recent history.
When contacted for comment, Micallef defended his actions, stating that freedom of expression applies equally to journalists and public officials. He did not withdraw or amend the post.
The alert notes that this was not the first time Micallef has publicly targeted journalists reporting on the Ta’ Qali project. In previous cases, he accused reporters of collusion and threatened legal action. Despite repeated criticism, Micallef continued to occupy his publicly funded roles, with no disciplinary measures reported at the time of publication.
The incident has been classified as a case of verbal attack and discrediting of a journalist by a public authority, carried out in an online context, and linked to environmental reporting.
