The head of the European Union’s executive arm, Ursula von der Leyen, on Wednesday evening demanded a “thorough and independent” investigation into the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
“I expect there to be a thorough and independent investigation, free from any political interference,” von der Leyen told a news conference in Brussels on her fourth day in office. “It is crucial that all those responsible are put to justice as soon as possible.”
Leyen said that the her murder was an attack on free media. “Media freedom is the foundation of our free and democratic society. Journalists must feel safe to work in Europe. If not, democracy as we know it will be under threat.”
The President of the European Commission added: “I will not comment on ongoing national investigations. However, what I will say is that I expect there to be a thorough and independent investigation, free from any political interference. Europol is in Malta, it is providing support to the Maltese authorities. It is crucial that all those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible. The Commission is also in contact with the Maltese authorities on the reform of the judicial system and we will continue to work with the authorities to accelerate these reforms.”
