MEPs back call for public inquiry into journalist’s death

MEPs from across political groups have reinforced the call by MEP David Casa for the European Commission to push for an independent public inquiry into the role of the Maltese State in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The MEPs referred to the fact that politicians and entities at the centre of corruption and money laundering allegations continued to operate without consequence.

It followed Casa’s letter to Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans to push for an independent public inquiry into the role of the Maltese State in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

This led to the government “vehemently condemning” the “grave allegations” made in the letter and accusing Casa of a partisan agenda.

The request to the Commission is now backed by more MEPs from different parties in the European Parliament. It lists a summary of facts that have emerged on corruption and links to organised crime in relation since the journalist’s assassination.

The MEPs referred to the alleged meeting between Cardona and at least one of the alleged assassins both before as well as after the assassination as well as reports that Cardona had attended an intimate gathering with one of the alleged assassins in 2017.

They also drew attention to revelation that surveillance data had been withheld from then inquiring magistrate Anthony Vella.

It was co-signed by MEP Ana Gomes (S&D), MEP Monica Macovei (ECR), MEP Maite Pagazaurtundúa (ALDE), and MEP Stelios Kouloglou (GUE/NGL).

You can read the letter here.