Malta's Chief Justice banned professional media photographers from attending the Judicial Year opening ceremony.

Malta's Chief Justice, Mark Chetcuti, has prohibited professional media photographers and videographers from attending the Judicial Year opening ceremony, a departure from past practice. Only official photographers from government offices were allowed. The Institute of Maltese Journalists criticized this decision, arguing it undermines constitutional protections for freedom of expression and transparency in the judiciary. No explanation was provided for the ban.