PRESS RELEASE

Public inquiry into death of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta must be fully independent and yield justice, states OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA, 21 September 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, took note today of an important step taken by the Maltese authorities in launching a public inquiry into the death of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, stating that the inquiry must be fully independent in order to bring long overdue justice for her family, colleagues and the whole of Maltese society.

“I take note of this long overdue first step in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and whether it could have been prevented,” stated Désir. “I have repeatedly called for an independent and effective investigation, in order for all the facts to be brought to light and for all those responsible, including all perpetrators and masterminds, to face justice.”

On 20 September, the Maltese government announced that a full public inquiry would be set up, consisting of judges and forensic experts who are part of the current investigation into her death, and which is expected to be concluded within nine months.

The Representative stressed, however, that the inquiry and its board members must be fully independent in order for the results to be credible. “There can be no justice unless this process is fully independent, comprehensive and impartial,” stated Désir, “I will continue to closely monitor developments and the judicial process, in the hope that full justice can be served for this horrific killing almost two years ago.”

Daphne Caruana Galizia died on 16 October 2017, after a bomb in her car was detonated as she was driving from her home in Bidnija, Malta. She was widely known for her investigative work uncovering corruption in the country. Earlier this year, three men were charged with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, with the trial date still to be announced.

“There can be no impunity for crimes committed against journalists,” said Désir, recalling the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists, which urges participating States to “ensure accountability as a key element in preventing future attacks, including by ensuring that law enforcement agencies carry out swift, effective and impartial investigations into acts of violence and threats against journalists, in order to bring all those responsible to justice, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.”

See the Representative’s previous statements here: https://www.osce.org/fom/360956; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/399746; https://www.osce.org/fom/354561.  

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

Contacts: