UK Minister Urges Malta to Speed Up Daphne Inquiry Progress

As the sun set over Valletta’s Grand Harbour, casting a golden glow on the historic city, a stark reminder of the need for justice was echoed across the Mediterranean. In London, UK Minister for Europe and the Americas, Wendy Morton, urged Malta to hasten the implementation of recommendations stemming from the public inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Recap of the Daphne Inquiry

The public inquiry, chaired by Sir Jonathan Baer, was established following Galizia’s assassination in 2017. Her car was blown up near her home in Bidnija, a rural village nestled in Malta’s northern region. Galizia was known for her investigative journalism, exposing high-level corruption and money laundering in Malta. The inquiry’s final report, published in July 2021, made several recommendations to strengthen Malta’s rule of law and protect journalists.

UK Minister’s Stance

In a recent statement, Morton commended Malta’s progress but emphasized the urgency to fully implement the inquiry’s recommendations. She said, “While we welcome the progress made, it’s crucial that all recommendations are acted upon swiftly and in full. The rule of law and press freedom are cornerstones of democratic societies, and we must ensure that those responsible for Daphne’s murder are brought to justice.”

Morton’s remarks come amidst growing international pressure on Malta to expedite the implementation process. The Council of Europe’s Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists has repeatedly called on Malta to take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure justice in Galizia’s case.

Malta’s Response and Next Steps

Malta’s Minister for Justice, Equality, and Governance, Edward Zammit Lewis, responded to Morton’s statement, acknowledging the UK’s concerns. He stated, “We are committed to implementing all recommendations and have already made significant progress. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is served and that Malta’s press freedom is strengthened.”

The next steps involve the government’s action plan, due to be published later this month. This plan will outline the specific measures Malta will take to implement the inquiry’s recommendations. It is expected to cover areas such as whistleblower protection, judicial reform, and improvements to Malta’s libel laws.

As Malta navigates this critical phase, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on the island nation. The world awaits concrete action, not just words, to ensure that justice is served and that Malta’s press freedom is strong and resilient.

In the heart of Valletta, Galizia’s legacy lives on. Her spirit echoes through the city’s cobbled streets, reminding us all of the power of truth and the importance of justice. It is high time that her voice is heard, and her sacrifice honored, with concrete action.