An International Inquiry Into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Murder Will Be Called If Government Fails To Do So Itself
The EU will be able to form an independent international inquiry into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, should the Maltese government fail to do so themselves.
The clause forms part of a wider resolution on rule of law shortcomings in both Malta and Slovakia which passed with 398 votes to 85 and 69 abstentions.
All PN MEPs voted in favour, while all PL MEPs voted against.
The resolution itself expressly calls on Maltese authorities to establish an independent inquiry into the murder of Caruana Galizia that can lead to a speedy identification of its masterminds, to publish the full version of the Egrant Inquiry and launch an investigation into corruption and the links between 17 Black, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.
The text also insists that all libel cases brought by members of the Government against her and her family be withdrawn; while the country must also shore up its cash-for-passports scheme.
It should be noted that while making specific mention to Malta and Slovakia, the resolution does have a wider EU focus, with references to rising threats for journalists across Europe.
In its statement following the vote, the EP said it condemns the “continuous efforts of a growing number of EU member state governments to weaken the rule of law, the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary”.
Meanwhile, PN MEP Roberta Metsola said:
“Europeans are defined according to their values: the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the protection of journalists are all European values which we should be proud of. This is what today’s Resolution is all about: making sure that all EU Member States protect our values.”
During a fiery debate on Monday, PL MEP Miriam Dalli was quick to point out that resolution failed to mention the government’s decision to implement certain changes as according to the Venice Commission.
An amendment was submitted and approved today that acknowledged these changes.
The resolution follows a challenging week for Malta in the European Parliament, with MEPs voting in favour of a text that declared Malta as having the characteristics of a tax haven.
READ NEXT: WATCH: Rule Of Law Debate On Malta And Slovakia Gets Fiery Response From MEPs
