Inquiry Blames Maltese State For Murder Journalist

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – A public inquiry into the car bomb murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has concluded that the Maltese state failed to protect her.

The investigators found Thursday that the state had to bear responsibility after creating a “culture of impunity.”

Caruana Galizia was killed in a massive explosion as she drove out of her home on October 16, 2017. She was 53.

Prosecutors believe top businessman Yorgen Fenech, who had close ties with senior government officials, masterminded the murder. Fenech, who is awaiting trial for an association with murder, denies all responsibility.

The inquiry, conducted by one serving judge and two retired judges, lashed out at the government of the time.

“The tentacles of impunity then spread to other regulatory bodies and the police, leading to a collapse in the rule of law,” said the panel’s report.

Caruana Galizia, an outspoken and well-known Maltese journalist, was involved in one of the most important investigative projects in Europe.

Her anti-corruption career included looking into what became known as the “Panama Papers” leaks in 2016. She eventually uncovered offshore companies connected to Malta’s business and political world.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela, who made the inquiry report public, said that the report on her murder merited “mature analysis.”

“Lessons must be drawn, and the reforms must continue with greater resolve,” he said.

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