Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/444527
III This week maltatoday, Sunday, 11 January 2015 17 August 1973: When a Maltese journalist was imprisoned for satire JOHN BUSUTTIL The events in France over the past week have doubtlessly shaken the whole of Europe. Many have condemned this act of terrorism. Some interpreted the attack on Charlie Hebdo as an attempt to stif le the media. Others saw it as an inevitable consequence of the editorial policies of a satirical newspaper. Whatever the case may be, the reality is that satire led to the murder of 12 people, injur- ing others and giving way to a domino effect of fear and retalia- tion – in Paris as well as the rest of France. Those responsible for the acts of terrorism in Paris were met with unanimous condemnation around the world, and Malta was no exception – with social media users expressing their unmitigat- ed disgust at these extermists. However, many have forgotten that on August 17, 1973, a satiri- cal Maltese newspaper led to the imprisonment of a journalist for two and a half months – the only such case from Independence onwards. At age 29, Joe Calleja was the editor of the weekly satirical newspaper In-Niggieza – a pub- lication set up in response to its counterpart on the Labour Party camp, Ix-Xewka. The young editor published a satirical story about the former Labour minister Ġuże Cassar, 'Pudina mis-Sultana à la Cassar', who failed to see the funny side of the story and responded with a libel suit. After the court case – during which Calleja was defended by Eddie Fenech Adami – Calleja was found guilty of defamation in Ġuże Cassar's regard, and was sentenced to three months in jail, along with a fine of Lm50. The sentence was reduced to two and a half months on appeal, af- ter the editor chose not to reveal his sources for the story. Some months ago, on October 1, a satirical cartoon published on MaltaToday, and which depicted Hunters' Federation representative Lino Farrugia was also met with a hostile response, as Farrugia sued the paper for libel. The cartoon in question depicted Farrugia urinating behind a small tree, as the Prime Minister and leader of the Op- position peek over at him. It's easy to sneer at countries and cultures who appear to be 'intolerant' towards satire, but it's worth remembering that such cases aren't all that alien to us. cartoonists respond Thomas Cuschieri Cartoonist, illustrator The spontaneous vigils that sprang up across Europe were very moving – as was the show of solidarity on- line. It was heartening, too, to see so many powerful cartoons drawn in response to the attack. But I guess I still struggle with the sheer heinousness of it all. It's disheartening to see the Islamophobic backlash – such a repulsive yet depressingly predictable conse- quence. I believe that a lot of cartoonists hope, ultimately, that their work can challenge the ignorance that feeds intolerance. Rufus Dayglo at the vigil in Trafalgar Square, London organised in memory of the Charlie Hebdo massacre victims last Wednesday in response to the attack. But I guess I still struggle It's disheartening to see the Islamophobic backlash – quence. I believe that a lot of cartoonists hope, ultimately, that their work can challenge the ignorance that feeds Walid Nabhan Author, poet Undoubtedly this is a very hideous and cowardly attack on human civilit y and its dearly-held values. I am equally horrified and shocked, and very frightened of any scenarios which might follow. Muslim communities will undoubtedly be burdened with the consequences of such a treach- erous felony. European far-right groups have been given a fresh transfusion, and it is very easy to fall in the same trap which your enemy is caught in. However any assertion that Muslims have perma- nently become associated with death, destruction or terror, and that Koran has taught Muslims to behave in this way, might only demonstrate a new form of ignorance of Islam. Demonisation of the other would never be a sufficient basis for any kind of decent and constructive dialogue. Something like this must be looked upon from Islam, like any other religious entit y. It is a com- plex realit y that harbours various and sometimes extremely conf licting positions; there is the liberal thought, the pragmatic, the conservative and un- fortunately the fundamental set of thoughts which the vast majorit y of Muslims reject. This diversit y in Islam is true for all other religions, traditions and nations. It is a very difficult moment for all. I will always count on our internal resources of compassion and understanding, which should pre- vent us from descending to the level of murderers. Rufus Dayglo Comic book artist Paris is London's sister city... an attack on her, is an attack on us. I stand by all artists, writers, creators, using words and pictures to change and improve the world. Free speech cannot and will not be silenced: we will use our hu- mour, our art, and our love. Rufus Dayglo is an acclaimed British comic book artist of high profile titles such as Tank Girl, and was a guest at Malta Comic Con 2014