The journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia investigates corruption up to the highest circles in Malta. For this she is murdered. Years later, the masterminds are still not in court and otherwise reforms in the island state are making little progress, criticizes the EU Parliament.
Five years after the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta, the European Parliament has criticized the EU country's approach to corruption and criminal prosecution. MEPs criticized "the lack of progress in prosecuting corruption and money laundering cases" handled by Caruana Galizia, a non-binding resolution said.
In cases of corruption, there are suspects “at the highest political level”. Therefore, "all persons" involved in the cases currently under investigation should be brought to justice, MEPs said. In addition, there are "obstacles to media freedom and pluralism" in the country. In connection with the murder of Caruana Galizia, the deputies also demanded that the "involved persons at all levels" should answer in court.
Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed in a car bomb attack on October 16, 2017. She had regularly reported on corruption, money laundering and other illegal businesses in Malta. According to her research, members of the government were also involved. Last week, two brothers were sentenced to 40 years in prison for her murder.
It is "essential" that "those behind the wheel of this murder are held accountable in court," EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told MEPs on Monday.
In memory of the Maltese investigative journalist, the EU Parliament awarded the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize to the journalists Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade on Wednesday evening for research into Russia's influence in Africa, including mercenaries from the Wagner group. Wagner is seen by the West as an extension of the Russian government.
