UK Minister Urges Malta to Speed Up Daphne Inquiry Progress

In the heart of Malta’s bustling Republic Street, tourists and locals alike go about their day, blissfully unaware of the political storm brewing just blocks away. The UK’s Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas, Wendy Morton, has issued a stark reminder that the wheels of justice turn slowly but surely, as she pressed Malta to hasten its progress on the recommendations stemming from the public inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Recap: The Daphne Inquiry

The public inquiry, chaired by Sir Jonathan Baer, was established in 2019 to investigate the circumstances leading to Caruana Galizia’s murder in 2017. The journalist, known for her anti-corruption blog Running Commentary, was killed by a car bomb near her home in Bidnija. The inquiry’s final report, published in July 2021, made 15 recommendations aimed at strengthening Malta’s rule of law and press freedom.

UK Minister’s Stance

Morton, during a recent visit to Malta, emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Malta’s democratic institutions and the rule of law. She noted that while progress has been made, more needs to be done to implement the inquiry’s recommendations. She singled out the lack of progress in amending Malta’s libel laws, which many see as a barrier to free expression, as a particular concern.

“We encourage Malta to continue its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and protect freedom of expression,” Morton said. “We look forward to seeing further progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the public inquiry into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.”

Malta’s Response

Malta’s Minister for Justice, Equality and Governance, Edward Zammit Lewis, acknowledged Morton’s concerns but maintained that the government is committed to implementing the recommendations. He pointed to the recently established Public Interest Monitor within the police force and the ongoing review of the libel laws as evidence of this commitment.

“We are working diligently to implement the recommendations,” Zammit Lewis said. “We understand the importance of these reforms, not just for Malta, but for the region and beyond.”

However, critics argue that the government’s pace of reform is too slow and that more concrete action is needed to ensure that Malta’s democratic institutions are truly strong.

The memory of Daphne Caruana Galizia continues to loom large over Malta’s political scene. Her family, who have been vocal in their calls for justice, recently marked the fourth anniversary of her death. They, along with many Maltese citizens and international observers, will be watching closely to see if the government’s words translate into concrete action.

As Morton’s visit underscored, the international community is also paying close attention to Malta’s progress. The eyes of the world are on Malta, and the government’s response to the Daphne inquiry recommendations will be a key test of its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

In the words of Caruana Galizia’s son, Matthew, “The fight for justice for Daphne is far from over. We will not rest until those responsible for her murder are brought to justice, and until Malta becomes a country where journalists can work freely and safely.”