Civil society organisation Repubblika has called on Education Minister Clifton Grima to condemn the reprimand of teacher Joanna Mallia, who was reportedly warned for expressing her opinion on an educational matter in public.Repubblika described the incident as a serious and troubling development, particularly within an educational system that should encourage independent thought and free expression.“This is extremely concerning, especially when considering that the censorship order allegedly came ‘from above,’” the organisation stated.The group argued that the government cannot claim to recognise teachers as professionals while simultaneously restricting their ability to speak about their own profession.“We expect those in power to listen rather than silence individuals,” Repubblika added.The organisation is demanding clarity from the government, urging Grima to take a stand against the reprimand. Should he fail to do so, Repubblika insists that Prime Minister Robert Abela must step in and make the government’s position on this act clear.Mallia appeared on an episode il-Każin where she challenged Grima on the current O’ Level system.Mallia, who works as a maths teacher at a state school, told Lovin Malta that her headmaster informed her that his superiors (ta’ fuqi) inquired whether she had been given permission.This was in line with a government circular issued last year requiring educators who speak publicly about the education system to seek prior approval from their line managers and to ensure their comments reflect the ministry’s policies and guidelines.However, Headmaster Jonathan Portanier Mifsud has denied intimidating Mallia when he asked her whether she had requested approval to speak out on the debate show. He went on to assure that they had a “respectful and mature” conversation and that the school had always approved such requests.Do you think the government should condemn this conversation?•