An MEP delegation visiting Malta has spoken on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia after personally meeting figures from Joseph Muscat to the President to the Police Commissioner.

“I can see there’s a lot moving in Malta, it is clear that the spotlight is on Malta, but let’s not rush things, it is too early to draw conclusions. But its clear a lot of work has been done,” Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld said today in Floriana following a meeting with the Police Commissioner.

When asked about what she thought of the police and the police commissioner’s work in relation to the ongoing investigation, in ‘t Veld said she understood the discretion police needed to conduct their investigation, saying: “I do have trust that they are putting the energy into it”.

“What I see gives me the feeling that yes, they are working very hard, and they are doing a professional job.”

She also touched upon the work Europol are doing in relation to the ongoing investigation, saying she couldn’t go into much detail though.

She was accompanied by Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola as well as other concerned MEPs.

Talking about Joseph Muscat, in ‘t Veld said “there’s clearly a problem with trust” and that “you need mutual trust, and that trust has been severely undermined” to successfully lead.

However, she clarified what her mission’s goal was in Malta.

“This is not about the reputation of Malta as a country or trust in its institutions – it is clear there are a group of individuals who are engaging in very serious wrongdoing. But I would like to distinguish between that group and the institutions.”

However, an issue on the MEPs minds was the release of Keith Schembri in recent days.

“That is a point of concern – I cannot say too much in detail, but it is clear our delegation is extremely concerned that somebody whose name pops up in so many different cases is free – its very difficult to explain to people,” in ‘t Veld said.

“You can’t be satisfied if somebody is still out there when you have the feeling that they are guilty of very serious crimes.”

“But there’s also due process and you have to take certain steps, you can’t just go around arresting people, you also have to have hard evidence, and that’s not easy at this stage,” she said.

What do you think of the MEP delegations initial statements?