A report on human rights around the world from the US Department of
State has revealed that 99 individuals were convicted in Malta last year
for "public blasphemy", down from 119 in 2011.
Malta, which is predominatly a Roman Catholic country with a
significant British ex-pat population, is known for its architecture,
weather and to many as being a key planning location in the allied
defense of Europe.
But despite its popularity amongst Brits, many are unaware that Maltese
law prohibits the vilification of or giving offense to the Roman
Catholic Church.
It is a criminal offense to utter publicly any obscene
or indecent words, make obscene acts or gestures or in any other way
offend public morality, propriety or decency.
The report, which was generally positive about the freedom of the press
in Malta, stated that, "From January to September [2012] there were 99
convictions for public blasphemy, compared with the 119 convictions from
January to July 2011."
It also pointed out that international media could operate freely and
there was no indication of reprisals against individuals for either
public or private criticism of the government.
However, the existence of a blasphemy law that is so heavily enforced
tells a different story about the rights of individuals to say what is
on their mind – particularly if it is about the Catholic Church.