Malta - April 2025

On 11 April, a new law that restricts citizens' ability to request magisterial inquiries was enacted. Passed by Parliament with a 37–30 vote, the legislation amends the Criminal Code, removing a provision that previously allowed individuals and civil society organizations to report suspected misconduct directly to a magistrate. Critics argue that the reform limits access to justice by eliminating this direct reporting channel. Under the new system, complaints must first be submitted to the police. If the police decide not to act, individuals may then revert to a magistrate to initiate an inquiry. Opponents argue that this process will deter whistleblowers, as complainants are now required to provide court-admissible evidence to the police, placing an undue burden of proof on them. Civil society organizations announced plans to challenge the law before the country’s Constitutional Court. 

Sources: Times of Malta (1), Malta Independent, Malta Today, Times of Malta (2), International IDEA