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Maltese Journalist Targeted with False Claims in Hospitals Corruption Case
Times of Malta’s editorial team has formally demanded that Chris Spiteri, a key figure in a major corruption investigation, remove false allegations made against journalist Jacob Borg on social media.
The newspaper took decisive action after Spiteri, who faces serious charges related to the controversial Vitals/Steward hospitals concession, posted unfounded claims on Facebook over the weekend. The editorial team has also filed an alert with the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a European mechanism that monitors threats to press freedom across EU member states.
Spiteri’s allegations center around a Times of Malta article published on April 9. The report covered a public notice from the Accountancy Board stating that Spiteri would no longer conduct company audits. In his Facebook post, Spiteri claimed that Borg had offered to withhold publication of the article if Spiteri would admit that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, former chief of staff Keith Schembri, and former minister Konrad Mizzi had “stolen money” from the hospitals deal.
A legal letter sent to Spiteri details a different sequence of events. According to the newspaper, Borg contacted Spiteri on March 30 for written comment regarding his voluntary surrender of auditing functions, following standard journalistic practice. Rather than providing a written response, Spiteri requested a phone call with the journalist. The letter categorically states that at no point during this conversation was any suggestion made about withholding publication of the article, which was based on publicly available information.
The timing of Spiteri’s claims has raised eyebrows among media observers. He posted the allegations three weeks after the telephone conversation with Borg, who is recognized in journalistic circles as a multi-award-winning reporter.
The controversy takes place against the backdrop of one of Malta’s most significant corruption investigations. Spiteri faces charges of money laundering and criminal association connected to the Vitals/Steward hospitals concession, alongside former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and other government officials. All defendants deny the charges in the case, which involves the privatization of three public hospitals in Malta.
The legal letter sent to Spiteri characterizes his social media post and the comments he allowed on his page as harassment intended to create hostility and damage Borg’s professional reputation. The letter emphasizes that reporting on “matters related to the actions of an accountant and auditor facing multiple criminal charges connected to the fraudulent privatisation of three of Malta’s public hospitals is a matter of public interest.”
What has particularly concerned media freedom advocates is how quickly Spiteri’s claims were amplified by government-affiliated figures. The allegations were echoed on a blog operated by Neville Gafa, who framed them as evidence of a “frame-up” against the former prime minister and ominously warned that “pressure on Borg is going to increase big time.”
Jason Micallef, who chairs the Freedom of Information tribunal, responded to Spiteri’s post by describing journalists as “keyboard terrorists.” Anna Mallia, a government official and former Office of the Prime Minister official, shared the post with the comment: “This is how our self-called independent media operates – obey or be damned.”
The legal letter was sent on behalf of Times of Malta’s senior editorial team, including editor-in-chief Herman Grech, online editor Bertrand Borg, print editor Anthony Manduca, and news editor Diana Cacciottolo, alongside journalist Jacob Borg.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the press and powerful figures in Malta, a country still grappling with the aftermath of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination in 2017 and subsequent concerns about media freedom.
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7 Comments
Accusations of corruption related to the hospitals deal are serious, but they need to be backed by credible evidence. I’m glad the Times of Malta is pushing back on these unsubstantiated claims against their reporter.
Agreed. Journalists must be able to report on important issues without fear of retaliation. The public deserves accurate, factual information, not unproven allegations.
This is a concerning situation. It’s critical that the media can report freely without facing false accusations or threats. I hope the Times of Malta’s strong response helps protect their journalist and press freedom in Malta.
Unsubstantiated attacks on journalists who are simply doing their jobs are unacceptable. I hope the authorities in Malta take swift action to ensure the press can operate without fear of retaliation.
This seems like an attempt to intimidate the press and undermine accountability. I’m glad the Times of Malta is taking a firm stand to defend their journalist and press freedom.
Yes, the media plays a vital role in investigating and reporting on corruption. Their ability to do this work freely and safely must be protected.
It’s concerning to see a subject of a corruption investigation trying to discredit a journalist covering the case. I hope the authorities take this seriously and protect press freedom in Malta.