Brussels, December 4, 2017–Maltese police, armed forces, and security services today arrested 10 suspects in connection with the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced. Caruana Galizia was killed on October 16 when her car was blown up. In Malta, police have 48 hours to question suspects before charging or releasing them.
“Malta, a member of the European Union, must ensure this investigation is swift and thorough, and meets international standards,” said CPJ European Union Representative Tom Gibson. “Justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia will only be achieved when every person responsible for her murder, including the mastermind, has been convicted and punished.”
The journalist’s family has taken legal action against the police, alleging that the investigation cannot be impartial because Caruana Galizia wrote critical articles about the chief investigator and the government minister to whom he is married, according to news reports. Members of the European Parliament who visited Malta last week criticized the country’s rule of law and noted a “perception of impunity” among government officials, according to reports.