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Karl Schembri

@karlschembri.bsky.social
58 followers 57 following 21 posts

Regional Media Adviser for East & Southern Africa with the Norwegian Refugee Council. Author of novels, poetry and children's books. Former journalist. Vice-President of PEN Malta. www.goodreads.com/author/show/28762…

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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PARIAH PRESS 🍷 @pariahpress.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Publishing Obscenity & the Arts www.pariahpress.com/post/publish... #AnthonyBurgess #Booksky
pariahpress.com
Publishing Obscenity & the Arts
Jonny Walsh with a publishing procedural, first featured on the International Anthony Burgess Foundation Blog.
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
PEN Malta and 17 other Maltese organisations have written to Foreign Minister Chris Fearne, urging Malta to back an EU ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and to pass a national law banning it here. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/nationa...
maltatoday.com.mt
18 organisations urge Chris Fearne to back Israeli settlement trade ban
Maltese organisations urge foreign minister to back Israeli settlement trade ban • Call comes after MaltaToday report that Malta was not among EU states pushing for restrictions on trade with ill...
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PARIAH PRESS 🍷 @pariahpress.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
As reviewed recently in the Malta Independent on Sunday by @karlschembri.bsky.social www.pressreader.com/malta/the-ma...
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
My children’s book The Journey of Miskit has been turned into a fully immersive audiobook 🎧 It’s written for all children, and used by the Norwegian Refugee Council to support displaced children around the world. 🧵
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
PEN Malta expresses deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Venezuela and the grave risks faced by writers, journalists, and all those imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression.
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
PEN Malta tesprimi s-sogħba għall-mewt ta’ Alfred Palma. Palma jibqa’ magħruf għat-traduzzjonijiet tiegħu tax-xogħlijiet ta’ Shakespeare u d-Divina Commedia.
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
At PEN Malta, we believe that truth is not a privilege granted by regulation but a fundamental obligation of anyone who exercises power over others. Our President Immanuel Mifsud's Op-Ed today on Times of Malta timesofmalta.com/article/trut...
timesofmalta.com
When truth is optional our democracy becomes hollow
The recent decision by the standards commissioner about MPs not being duty-bound to tell the truth should alarm every citizen, says Immanuel Mifsud
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
🗳 Call for nominations Nominations are open for: President | Vice-President | Secretary | Treasurer & Executive Committee members 📧 jeanpaul.borg@gmail.com / keith.bg@gmail.com ⏰ Deadline: 20 December 2025 ✍️ Authors, journalists, artists & activists welcome to join PEN Malta
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
PEN Malta condemns the statement issued by Jason Micallef attacking a Newsbook journalist. Micallef is a public official, paid from public funds, and as such has a duty to answer questions posed by journalists when these concern matters of public interest. timesofmalta.com/article/jaso...
timesofmalta.com
Jason Micallef attack on Newsbook reporter 'puts journalists at risk'
Labour firebrand unleases attack on journalist in Facebook post; NGOs say this is unacceptable
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
PEN Malta is outraged by the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026. Russia and Belarus were rightly barred for violating international law, yet Israel is given an exception despite authoritative findings of grave human rights violations in timesofmalta.com/article/isra...
timesofmalta.com
Israel is in Eurovision 2026 - Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia pull out
'Participation remains unconscionable': Ireland refuses to even broadcast the competition
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
PEN Malta issellem il-memorja ta' Arthur Gruppetta (1944-2025), figura li kellha sehem kbir fl-istorja letterarja ta' Malta. Grupetta stabilixxa Merlin Publishers, minn ħanut żgħir tal-kotba għal pubblikatur ewlieni ta' tant kittieba f'Malta. Kondoljanzi lill-familja tiegħu.
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
My book, Eħlisna mid-Deni, is ready! My publisher, Merlin, has just sent me a video clip of the book, and I can't wait for you all to see it and get a glimpse of what's inside. Book reading and presentation on 9 November at the Malta Book Festival at 6pm, Readers' Hall.
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Here's the cover of my new novel in Maltese, Eħlisna mid-Deni (Deliver Us From Evil), to be published on 9 November with Merlin Publishers! Brilliantly designed by Pierre Portelli. Book reading and Q&A on 9 November, 6pm at the Malta Book Festival, Readers' Hall #coverreveal
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN International @peninternational.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
#China: Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the kidnapping of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai, 65 PEN Centres around the world renew our demand for his immediate and unconditional release. Read our joint statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/china-p... #FreeGuiMinhai
facebook.com
PEN International
#China: Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the kidnapping of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai, 65 PEN Centres around the world renew our demand for his immediate and unconditional...
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PEN International @peninternational.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Today marks eight years since #DaphneCaruanaGalizia was attacked for speaking truth to power. She challenged corruption at the highest levels and paid with her life. Her courage and legacy endure. We continue to support her family in their pursuit of justice and accountability.
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Eight years ago, we were shaken by a tragedy that had no precedent in Malta. Eight years ago, someone decided to carry out an assassination on a person who chose, instead of living a comfortable life, to risk her own safety in order to expose facts in the public interest
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
I’ll be reading from my upcoming novel Eħlisna mid-Deni (Deliver Us from Evil) on Wed 8 Oct, 6 pm at Pembroke Public Library, Malta, weeks before its November release by Merlin Publishers Join me: www.facebook.com/events/77695...
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
The latest targeted assassination of Palestinian journalists by Israel in Gaza is horrifying confirmation of a long-standing, genocidal policy aimed at wiping out Palestinian life and culture. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/...
aljazeera.com
Anas al-Sharif among five Al Jazeera staff killed by Israel in Gaza
Al Jazeera staff killed in targeted Israeli attack on a tent housing journalists near al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza City.
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Mike Levin @mikelevin.org · 18/05/2025
To the cartoonist who drew this, well done.
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
We joined civil society in marking the Palestinian Nakba and in urging our government and the EU to stop Israel's genocoide of Palestinians www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/nationa...
maltatoday.com.mt
NGOs mark 77 years since Nakba with march, call for action on Gaza
Organisers say the march honours the Palestinian Nakba and urges Malta and the EU to take immediate action to stop Israel’s crimes against humanity
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Check out PEN Malta's May newsletter – find out more about the Open Mic on Manoel Island, standing up to unchecked development, and how you can raise your voice. Manoel Island should be for everyone, not for the greedy trying to grab our country with enabling politicians.
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Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) @nrc-global.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Zainab fled the war with a broken hand and four children. Khaled walked 17 days with his 3-year-old. Mariam lost five children in one night. This is what life looks like for many people in #Sudan right now. www.nrc.no/feature/2025...
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 15/05/2025
We are human rights lawyers. Our new report is clear: Israel perpetrates apartheid | Sandra L Babock, Susan M Akram, Thomas Becker and James Cavallaro
theguardian.com
We are human rights lawyers. Our new report is clear: Israel perpetrates apartheid | Sandra L Babock, Susan M Akram, Thomas Becker and James Cavallaro
We conclude that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, including mass killing, arbitrary detention and torture, meets the legal threshold for the term
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Ingħaqad magħna għall-Palk Ħieles f'lejla li tiċċelebra l-libertà tal-espressjoni, il-komunità u l-kreattività fl-arja miftuħa. Organizzat minn PEN Malta mal-kampanja "Manoel Island: Post Għalina". - 22 ta’ Mejju 2025 - 6:00 PM - Manoel Island Irreġistra hawn: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN International @peninternational.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
#Vietnam: We join @penamerica.bsky.social, Vietnam PEN, @rsf.org , @pressfreedom.bsky.social and others urging the US Secretary of State to support persecuted Vietnamese writers and journalists, including #PhamDoanTrang. Read our joint letter ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...
pen-international.org
Vietnam: PEN International joins letter to US Secretary of State urging support for persecuted writers and journalists — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worl...
7 May 2025: PEN International joins PEN Centres and free press organisations in a letter to Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States Government, urging him to support the release of impris...
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
Joe English @joe-english.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
More than 60,000 malnourished children in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state are at risk as treatment supplies run critically low and resupply efforts are hampered, warn @unicef.org @wfp.org "We are in danger of simply running out of supplies." www.unicef.org/press-releas...
unicef.org
Lifesaving humanitarian supply route cut in South Sudan leaving malnourished children at risk
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
aje.io/kby4n1
aje.io
How RSF is adopting Israel’s ‘template for genocide’ in Sudan
For years, Israel has used human rights terminology to whitewash killing civilians, now the RSF is doing the same.
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
1/ PEN Malta stands in solidarity with Gaza and condemns the Maltese government’s refusal to assist the humanitarian vessel Conscience, left stranded following a reported Israeli drone attack. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/nationa...
maltatoday.com.mt
Activists urge government to allow Gaza aid ship to dock in Malta after drone attack
Activists are urging the Maltese government to allow the damaged humanitarian vessel Conscience to dock for emergency repairs, following a reported Israeli drone strike near Malta's waters
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Fil-jum Dinji għal-Libertà tal-Istampa nitlobu għall-waqfien tal-impunità ta' min iwettaq krimini kontra l-ġurnalisti. On World Press Freedom Day we call for the end of impunity for crimes against journalists.
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
"The ghosts will be there for a long time." I spoke to @timesofmalta.bsky.social about what I saw in #Darfur: famine, mass displacement, and the incredible resilience of the Sudanese people. We cannot turn our backs on them. timesofmalta.com/article/the-...
timesofmalta.com
Watch: ‘The ghosts will be there for a long time’ - Maltese aid worker on Sudan
Fifteen million forced to leave their homes amid massacre, mass rape and famine
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Reposted by Karl Schembri
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) @nrc-global.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
14 million children in need of humanitarian assistance. 5 million children forced to flee their homes. Meet six orphaned siblings, navigating death and displacement in #Sudan, as they search for safety. @karlschembri.bsky.social in @theguardian.com:
theguardian.com
Children of war: six orphans’ 1,000-mile journey across Sudan in search of safety
After dysentery killed their mother and the civil war came to their home in Omdurman, Haroun and his young siblings were forced to set off on an epic quest to reach El Geneina
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
After dysentery killed their mother & the civil war came to their home in Omdurman, Haroun and his young siblings were forced to set off on an epic quest to reach El Geneina, #Sudan. My piece on today's Guardian about the orphaned children I met in Darfur. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
theguardian.com
Children of war: six orphans’ 1,000-mile journey across Sudan in search of safety
After dysentery killed their mother and the civil war came to their home in Omdurman, Haroun and his young siblings were forced to set off on an epic quest to reach El Geneina
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Mariam lost her 5 children, her hearing & sight when war hit Al Geneina, #Sudan. “Now I have no one left,” she told me. @nrc-global.bsky.social NRC's access centre became her only lifeline—until funding cuts threatened to shut it down. We can’t abandon people like Mariam www.nrc.no/news/2025/ap...
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Rob Smith @onyadon.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
@stephensackur.bsky.social "I don’t think at the very senior levels of the #BBC there is an awareness of just how big a show #HARDtalk is around the world.” So many of us, still shaking our heads in disbelief ... www.theguardian.com/media/2025/m...
theguardian.com
‘I feel really, really cross at incredibly dumb decisions’: Stephen Sackur on the end of HARDtalk – and leaving the BBC
For 19 years he has held the powerful to account on a show that attracts huge audiences around the world. Now it is over. He discusses his anger with management, his pride in his team – and what he’ll...
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The Rest Is Politics @therestpolitics.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Francesca Albanese: Israel, Gaza, and the United Nations (LEADING) Rory and Alastair are joined by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories to discuss: 🇮🇹Why the Mafia inspired her to become a lawyer 🇮🇱Why she thinks Netanyahu is breaking the law in the war in Gaza
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
These graffiti were drawn by orphaned siblings I met today who just arrived in Al Geneina, Darfur, from Khartoum. They depict the daily horrors they faced in their neighbourhood: fighters, drones, artillery and deadly battles they fled to survive.
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Wait, what?! @whyisthat.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Trump signs order to dismantle 7 federal agencies focused on media, libraries, homelessness Source: The Hill share.newsbreak.com/c3trz6hw
share.newsbreak.com
Trump signs order to dismantle 7 federal agencies focused on media, libraries, homelessness - NewsBreak
President Trump on Friday signed an executive order that aims to eliminate seven federal agencies, including ones that focus on media, libraries, museums a
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
There is only a two-word response to US and Israel to this, and it's not thank you. apnews.com/article/isra...
apnews.com
AP Exclusive: US and Israel look to Africa for resettling Palestinians uprooted from Gaza
The U.S. and Israel have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations to resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
PEN Malta firmly supports the call to safeguard a healthy democratic culture, as highlighted in today’s Times of Malta editorial. Democracy is about fostering a culture where informed debate, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms thrive. timesofmalta.com/article/edit...
timesofmalta.com
Editorial: More to democracy than just voting
The safety of journalists is of paramount importance without whom we would lose a crucial component in the democratic functioning of the institution of our democracy
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PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
How do you campaign for change? Meant for PEN members and recent and long-time supporters, this handbook from @peninternational.bsky.social will help you refresh your approach to campaigning for the right to freedom of expression and supporting writers at risk: buff.ly/4ao46uQ
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PEN International @peninternational.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Join us tomorrow 5 March in London/Brussels or online for the launch of the Europe Press Freedom Report: Confronting Political Pressure Disinformation & the Erosion of Media Independence. More information here: go.coe.int/TYndb #EuropeForFreeMedia
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Katalin Halmai @eublogo.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
On the London Underground
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pen-tlrc.bsky.social @pen-tlrc.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
MAKING SILENCED LANGUAGES VISIBLE Day 11 - Poem 17: Malti Keith Borg: sakemm (until) Malti is the official language of the Maltese people. It is the only official Semitic language of the EU, and the only one written in Latin alphabet. @penmalta.bsky.social youtu.be/yYdtAioz00M?...
youtu.be
Keith Borg: sakemm (until) Malti
YouTube video by Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee of PI
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 28/02/2025
Keir Starmer to carry out largest cut to UK overseas aid in history
theguardian.com
Keir Starmer to carry out largest cut to UK overseas aid in history
NGOs accuse prime minister of following US by accepting ‘false choice’ of cutting aid to fund defence Sir Keir Starmer is to take UK overseas aid to its lowest level as a percentage of national income since records began, even if he manages to halve the…
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Katalin Halmai @eublogo.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
‼️You should read this. It’s about the #USAID on its knees. I’ve made the article free.
on.ft.com
The fallout
The suspension of billions in US aid has brought the global development sector to its knees. The fight against Aids was hit hardest
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
This is how the @washingtonpost.com is led to die in darkness. This is how authoritarianism creeps in. This is how Jeff Bezos seals his Faustian pact.
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PEN Malta @penmalta.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
PEN Malta expresses solidarity with journalists who were attacked yesterday Wednesday 26 February while carrying out their duties in court. 1/3 timesofmalta.com/article/igm-...
timesofmalta.com
'I will f*** your family': journalists threatened outside court, IĠM want action
Journalists 'filmed and threatened by relatives', institute wants police to take action
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
PEN Malta expresses solidarity with journalists who were attacked yesterday Wednesday 26 February while carrying out their duties in court. timesofmalta.com/article/igm-...
timesofmalta.com
'I will f*** your family': journalists threatened outside court, IĠM want action
Journalists 'filmed and threatened by relatives', institute wants police to take action
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Karl Schembri @karlschembri.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
1/2 I met Azila late last year in #Chad, where she told me of her horrific story of having to flee from #Sudan with her children, only to lose her daughter along the way.
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