Malta: CFWIJ condemns the misogynistic and derogatory comments made towards Norma Saliba

March 18, 2021— Norma Saliba, the head of PBS News, was subjected to sexist slurs by controversial commentator Leone Ganado. His comments were posted during a live stream Norma was hosting with Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech. Leone made sexist remarks directed at Norma and later called her a political prostitute. Norma filed a complaint with the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) and requested Leone retract his hurtful comments. After widespread criticism, Leone issued an apology and swore to never cross the line in the future. CFWIJ condemns the humiliation Leone Ganado inflicted on Norma, and we hope he will sincerely stand by his apology.

On Sunday, March 14, Norma conducted a live interview on Facebook with Bernard Grech, the leader of the Nationalist Party. The journalist was subjected to demeaning comments by controversial commentator Leone Ganado. Leone posted sexist remarks against Norma, calling her derogatory names. Norma filed a complaint with IGM and asked Leone to apologize for berating her as a woman and as a journalist. She described Leone’s remarks as “insulting, degrading and dishonest”. IGM has also issued a statement condemning the hurtful insults of Leone Ganado. The statement says, "We reiterate our call on the authorities to strongly condemn these attacks on the journalistic body. Not condemning such attacks will make you an accomplice. Not condemning such attacks conveys a message that these things are acceptable.”

After receiving criticism, Leone apologized for his hateful remarks and affirmed he would not repeat such repulsive behavior in the future. However, this is not the first time Leone was caught hurling obnoxious remarks. In September 2020, Rosianne Catujar, a former parliamentarian, won her libel case against Leone Ganado for calling her prostitute. The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) in Malta also condemned Leone’s comments. “Sexist comments create a climate of intimidation, fear, and insecurity. Specific groups of women, for example, young women, politicians, journalists or public figures, are often the target of sexist abuse”, said NCPE. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned by Leone Ganado’s continued misconduct towards women. We stand in solidarity with Norma Saliba and hope the journalist will not be targeted with such a vile attack again. We demand the human rights bodies and press authorities take swift action if Leone crosses respectful boundaries in the future.