A debate in the European Parliament to mark the fifth anniversary of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has been called for by the European People’s Party.

The debate would consider the progress that the Maltese institutions have made in the past five years in seeking justice for Daphne, in bringing to justice those implicated in the crimes she investigated and reported, and in strengthening democracy and the rule of law where severe weaknesses were identified.

Daphne was murdered on 16th October 2017. While several people, including the hitmen and suspected mastermind Yorgen Fenech, have been charged, only one, Vince Muscat, has been sentenced but only after he pleaded guilty.

“The 16th of October marks five years since Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally killed,” MEP David Casa said. 

“A web of corruption implicating the highest levels of government was since exposed, leading the independent public inquiry to conclude that the state bears responsibility for her murder.”

Her death marked never-before-seen attention on Malta by international bodies with a public inquiry instituted by the European Council recommending major reform.

Still, Malta continues to lag behind while questions around transparency and the fight against corruption remain.

“The situation in Malta is still dire,” Casa said. “The impunity that abetted Daphne’s assassination still reigns supreme. Not only is there no progress on fighting corruption, but there are scandals being reported practically every week. Instead of political responsibility, we get cover-ups.”

“Seeking justice for Daphne concerns all Europeans.”

What do you think of the debate?