The family of assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has issued a statement to the court in the aftermath of Vince Muscat pleading guilty for his role in the murder.

Parte civile lawyer Jason Azzopardi read out the statement, which also thanked Judge Edwina Grima for her work, to the court, which reads as follows:

“A person who admitted to their involvement in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia destroyed her right to life and removed her right to enjoy her family and grandchildren who were born after her murder.”

“The macabre murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia was intentional and should have been avoided. The victim paid with her life and her family is paying the price with the loss of a loved one.”

“I say all this because if Daphne’s family were to respond today with all the emotions, it would be obvious as to what their reply would be.”

“However in these circumstances, and as it has informed the Attorney General’s Office that is on the case, the family would like to express their hope that this development will begin the road for total justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia.”

Muscat changed his plea during a sitting in front of a court of appeal. Sources suggested that Muscat is now cooperating with the police and is expected to be handed a lighter sentence. 

In exchange, Muscat will testify in the case against George Degiorgio and Alfred Degiorgio, the two brothers who were also charged with carrying out the murder of Caruana Galizia. 

Muscat has been angling for a pardon or reduced sentence for the better of three years, insisting that he could provide crucial information on the assassination, several other murders, a notorious HSBC heist, and other crimes.

Sources suggested that Muscat could be able to provide information that could implicate the suspected bomb makers. 

He had requested a pardon in return for information on the Caruana Galizia murder, which will reportedly implicate suspected bomb makers Robert Agius and Jamie Vella, and other serious crimes.

It has since been revealed that Robert Agius, his brother Adrian, and Vella have been arrested.

Muscat, colloquially known as Il-Koħħu, has also allegedly implicated a sitting minister in a “very serious” crime to investigators.

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