Malta, Italy: PEN International joins call for a robust and transparent investigation into threats made against Nello Scavo

Tweet From Neville Gafà

On 7 August 2020, PEN International joined Media Freedom Rapid Response and other free expression organisations in a letter sent to Maltese and Italian authorities calling for robust, thorough and transparent investigations into Neville Gafà.

Gafà, a former person of trust in the Office of the Maltese Prime Minister, on 27 June on Twitter issued a threat against Italian journalist Nello Scavo of Avvenire, who had questioned the former official's record. Gafà called for him to "stop your dirty business. If not, we will be stopping you."

On 19 August, Gafà confirmed he is being investigated. However, we have received no response from either Maltese or Italian authorities.