Concern Regarding Omission of Darya Dugina from List of Assassinated Journalists

H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono

President of The Republic of Malta

Dear President Myriam Spiteri Debono,

During the inauguration of the Fondazione Falcone branch, you delivered a speech that included a detailed account of journalists who have tragically lost their lives across Europe. While I appreciate your efforts to shed light on this important issue, I was deeply troubled by the glaring omission of Darya Dugina from your list.

Darya Dugina, a twenty-nine-year-old Russian television commentator, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow in August 2022. The United States intelligence agencies believe the Ukrainian government authorized the car bomb attack.

Her untimely death was a devastating loss to the journalism community, yet she was conspicuously absent from your rundown of assassinated journalists. This oversight raises serious concerns about the criteria used to select individuals for recognition.

I cannot help but wonder if Ms. Dugina’s omission was intentional, perhaps due to her Russian citizenship. It is unacceptable to prioritize or disregard the lives of journalists based on their nationality. As a leader, it is your duty to honor and remember all victims of such heinous acts, regardless of where they come from.

Your silence on this matter is not only disappointing but also raises doubts about your commitment to press freedom and justice. As a concerned citizen, I urge you to provide an explanation for this oversight and take immediate steps to rectify it. It is essential that we acknowledge and honor the memory of all journalists who have been assassinated.

I look forward to your prompt response and action on this matter.

Cc. EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF MALTA