President George Vella urged politicians, journalists and social influencers to avoid hate speech whether online or offline. Addressing a conference called Hate Speech: Challenged in Schools, Vella said hate speech concerned him “quite a bit”. “I urge politicians, journalists, social influencers, employers and people of prominence to always consider their words and actions,” he said. “In particular I urge you to avoid this type of language when it comes to politics.” Vella's comments come hours after fiery exchanges in parliament, as the house deliberated on the PN's motion to condemn the hospitals' deal struck down by a court last month. The debate was characterised by heated exchanges and accusations. Speaker Anglu Farrugia was forced to suspend the sitting after Prime Minister Robert Abela accused PN MP Adrian Delia of lying to the courts. On Thursday evening, the Institute of Maltese journalists meanwhile noted that the level of respect towards journalists was continuing its downward trend as authorities and politicians continued to "denigrate the sector with certain comments targeting journalists". The IĠM addressed the issue in a statement condemning "despicable acts'...
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