Heads Of Global Media Call For EU Inquiry Into Malta
The heads of the eight of the biggest media companies in the world have come together to call for the European Commission to set up an inquiry into Malta.
The editors and directors of the BBC, New York Times, Le Monde, The Financial Times, Le Pais, and other media organisations have called for an investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia as well as an inquiry into the independence of the Maltese media.
The editors made their demand in a written letter to the vice-president of the commission, Frans Timmermans.
They described the murder as “an appalling reminder” of what journalists must face on a daily basis, putting themselves in mortal danger as they research stories and try to uncover crimes.
“The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia demonstrates the danger that journalists face in the pursuit of truth. It also demonstrates the fear that the corrupt and powerful have of being exposed,” they said.
“Daphne’s murder, combined with the structural issues the commission identified, demonstrate the need for a full investigation into the state of media independence in Malta by the commission”
Letter to the EU Commission
They hoped that her murder would not help in “silencing her investigation into corruption at the highest levels in Malta.”
They also pointed out a key problem with Malta’s media in that it is the “only EU country that has such extensive media ownership by the political parties”.
“We ask that you use your office to engage the Maltese government in urgent dialogue to ensure that it is aware of its obligations as a member of the European Union to uphold the rule of law, and to maintain press freedom and free expression,” they said in their letter.
“We request that you use all powers at your disposal to ensure that Daphne’s death is fully investigated, and to send a clear signal of support to journalists working in the public interest, in Malta and all over the world.”
This call was also made on November 2nd, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Do you think this European Commission should set up its own inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder? Let us know in the comments below.
READ NEXT: Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Haunting Last Words
