Forum Unions Maltin (For.U.M.) expresses deep concern over the criminal actions initiated
against a university lecturer and their students in the case related to Freehour. For.U.M. urges
the authorities to safeguard the rights of those involved and to protect the integrity of the
educational process.
The case in question involves a group of students and their lecturer whose educational activities
have been unjustly interpreted as a cyber attack, leading to criminal charges. While For.U.M.
acknowledges that the matter is currently under judicial review, it stresses that an educational
process conducted in line with ethical standards should not be deemed a cyber attack on an
organization. This situation poses a serious threat to the educational process, which is essential
for training students to use their computer-related skills and knowledge for the benefit of both the
community and the organizations they serve. Moreover, it risks undermining the practical
application of these skills in real-world scenarios. For.U.M. appeals to the relevant authorities to
protect all affected individuals and to ensure that educational integrity is upheld.
Furthermore, For.U.M. points out the concerning fact that these students are yet to begin their
professional careers. Rather than being encouraged and properly trained as future cybersecurity
experts, they are being subjected to criminal prosecution, creating unnecessary hardship at such
at critical point in their studies. The state’s involvement in this case only adds to the hostility
faced by these young professionals, who are merely trying to develop vital skills and knowledge
in cybersecurity—a field crucial for community and organizational security.
For.U.M.
President Marco Bonnici