Repubblika accuses Labour media, online groups of intimidation campaign against activists

Civil society group Repubblika has accused the Labour Party's media and online groups loyal to the party of running a frequent campaign of intimidation against activists, non-governmental organisations and people who hold critical views of the Government since the general election.

The group said this was not the first time such a campaign had taken place, but that there was an important difference this time. It said there now appeared to be a systematic effort not merely to criticise or disagree with dissenting voices, but to dehumanise them, ridicule them, and portray them as enemies of the country.

"In a democracy, the legitimacy of a voice does not depend on how many people stand behind it. There is no rule that says that winning an election gives anyone the right to silence their critics. A parliamentary majority is a mandate to govern, not a licence to remove from public life those who disagree with you."

Repubblika accused groups loyal to the Labour Party of creating AI-generated images to humiliate individuals like Robert Aquilina, Jason Azzopardi, Vicki Ann Cremona, Manuel Delia, Ranier Fsadni, and Kevin Cassar. 

These images echoed Labour's media rhetoric, falsely attributing words to these individuals. They also highlighted misleading representations and coordinated social media campaigns promoting attacks and hatred.

It noted that during this time, Malta faced tough questions about Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder and the pursuit of justice. Many targets were the same individuals and organisations insisting on revealing the full truth and holding everyone responsible.

Repubblika recalled how Caruana Galizia was treated, pointing out that she was discredited, mocked, isolated, and had her dignity stripped. These methods continue against others, fueling a culture of hatred and intimidation.

The group noted that one lesson from Daphne and nine years of experience is that intimidation doesn't succeed. It said Repubblika has been declared finished many times and predicted that citizens opposing abuses would disappear, but this hasn't happened.

It argued that it was precisely when a political party is strong that it bears the greatest responsibility to exercise its power with restraint and with respect for the diversity of opinions. A government that believes in itself does not fear criticism, the group said, and a government that trusts its people does not seek to silence those who ask questions.

Repubblika noted that the campaign coincided with the Government's preparation of new laws on voluntary organisations. Asking to see laws affecting civil society wasn't defiance but part of democratic consultation. Framing such requests as insolence was troubling.

The group said it had no intention of retreating or restraining its voice, nor would it respond to hatred with hatred. Instead, it renewed its solidarity with other civil society organisations, journalists, activists and all citizens who believe that democracy needs more voices, not fewer.

Repubblika stated that civil society isn't a political party or meant to replace them. Instead, they said its role is to give citizens a voice, challenge abuses of power, demand accountability, and protect democratic principles for all, regardless of the ruling party.

Repubblika said it would continue its work because it believed in it, because it knew it was necessary, and because Malta needs a civil society that is free, courageous and independent, one that will not allow fear, hatred or power to silence it.