Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536815
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 JUNE 2025 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Momentum supports calls for 'free expression for educators' MOMENTUM is voicing its backing to recommen- dations made by the Com- missioner for Education calling for "free expression for educators". "We expect high stand- ards of an EU member state, especially when it comes to upholding basic civil liberties. We echo the Commissioner's findings that the directive imposes unjustifiable limitations on personal opinion and creates an environment of control rather than collab- oration. Educators should be empowered to speak freely and contribute to the improvement of our schools and institutions without fear of reprisal," Momentum's Matthew Agius said. In September 2024, the Department of Education- al Services issued Circular DES 28.2024, mandating that all educators obtain written approval from their line managers before participating in any media engagements related to ed- ucational matters. Furthermore, any ap- proved statements were re- quired to align strictly with the Ministry's policies, prohibiting the expression of personal opinions or po- litically sensitive content. This directive faced sig- nificant criticism from educators, unions, and ac- ademic institutions. The Faculty of Education at the University of Malta labeled the restrictions as a "trou- bling encroachment" on educators' freedom of ex- pression, emphasizing that such measures undermine the role of educators in fos- tering democratic values. The request for an inves- tigation by the Ombuds- man's office was instigated by Momentum and taken up by the Union of Profes- sional Educators. "Momentum fully sup- ports the recommenda- tions made by the Com- missioner for Education in response to the complaints concerning Directive DG DES 28/2024. We stand by the principles of democrat- ic accountability, transpar- ency, and the fundamental right to freedom of expres- sion, particularly within the education sector," it said. Momentum is urging the Ministry for Education to reconsider its position and act in line with the Om- budsman's recommenda- tions, "as ignoring them undermines both demo- cratic oversight and trust in public institutions." "We categorically re- ject the notion that edu- cators should be silenced or forced into conformity when engaging in public debate. The directive in question goes against the spirit of open discourse and critical engagement that is essential to both education and democracy. We con- sider it unacceptable that any government within the European Union would en- dorse such a restrictive ap- proach to public dialogue," Agius said. Man denied bail after allegedly threatening to burn ex-partner's car A man was arraigned in court on Tuesday and charged with causing fear of violence to his ex-partner, insulting and threat- ening her, as well as breaching two sets of bail conditions. The court heard how a series of events had unraveled after the accused's ex-partner pur- chased a vehicle for the man in order to help him succeed in his job as a taxi driver. The vehicle was at first, reg- istered to his name but she lat- er wanted it to be transferred under her name. The pair lat- er went to a notary to change the car registration details but during a disagreement, he al- legedly told her " I will burn your car." Moreover, the ac- cused repeatedly asked her for money to buy drugs. The victim herself carried out a risk assessment, which resulted in a very high score. In such a situation, the court heard that the score is usually considered as an indication of severe danger, which led her to file a report. During the explanation given in court by Inspector Cauchi, the accused constantly inter- rupted the proceedings, re- peating, "It's not true" such that the court and police of- ficers in the room had to si- lence him and warn him to stop. He pleaded not guilty and legal aid lawyer Nadia Fiott requested bail. Legal aid law- yer stated that recently, there has been a pattern of domestic violence cases where an indi- vidual is arrested without even a proper investigation being carried out. Normally, the allegations against an individuals are based on the mere the state- ments of the parte civile. She also contended that if the man is incarcerated, he will face repercussions such as losing his job and thus, he is ready to abide by any conditions the court chooses to impose on him. Bail was not granted due to the fact that witnesses and the alleged victim herself still need to testify. Moreover, the court was also not convinced that the accused would obey any imposed conditions since he was already a recidivist. A protection order was also ordered in favour of the victim and the court sternly warned the accused of the hefty conse- quences if it was to be broken. Inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted. Legal aid lawyer Nadia Fiott appeared for the accused. MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt The court hears that the accused's ex-partner had bought him a car to help with his career as a taxi driver, but after she wanted the car to be registered under her name, he allegedly threatened to burn her car File photo