CHAPTER 4: Investigations & Cover-ups
The investigation into Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder quickly became a labyrinth of controversy, raising questions that extended far beyond the tragic death of the journalist. On October 16, 2017, Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija, Malta, a brutal act that sent shockwaves not only through the Maltese community but across Europe and beyond. Her investigations into corruption at the highest levels of the Maltese government had made her a target, and her murder illuminated the precarious state of press freedom in Europe.
Initial police responses were criticized for their lack of urgency. Reports surfaced that the police did not immediately secure the crime scene, raising concerns among forensic experts about the potential loss of vital evidence. In the days following her assassination, members of the public expressed their outrage and frustration. A candlelight vigil held in Valletta attracted thousands, where mourners gathered to honor Caruana Galizia’s legacy. Many of them carried placards reading “Justice for Daphne,” their voices echoing a collective demand for accountability.
Despite governmental promises of transparency, skepticism grew. On January 24, 2018, the Maltese government announced the formation of an independent inquiry into Caruana Galizia's assassination. While this step was hailed by some as a necessary measure, others quickly dismissed it as a mere façade designed to placate public outrage. Critics pointed to the fact that the inquiry was led by a judge, Michael Mallia, who had previously been implicated in controversies involving the police force. The appointment raised eyebrows, as many questioned whether he could impartially investigate a case that implicated powerful political figures.
As the inquiry began, documents began to surface that hinted at a cover-up. Communications between police officials and government representatives suggested that there was a concerted effort to downplay the political implications of the case. An email dated November 15, 2017, revealed discussions between senior police officers and government officials about how best to manage the media narrative surrounding the investigation. A leaked document, cited in a report by the Times of Malta on February 10, 2018, highlighted police concerns over political repercussions, with one officer noting, "We must ensure the investigation does not disrupt the government’s stability."
These revelations prompted a wave of whistleblowers to emerge, claiming they had been instructed to remain silent or face repercussions. In April 2018, a police officer, who wished to remain unnamed for fear of retaliation, provided testimony to the inquiry indicating that he had been pressured to downplay evidence that could implicate high-ranking officials. "I was told that certain leads were not to be pursued," he stated in a formal statement, according to documents obtained by the inquiry.
The European Parliament weighed in, calling for an independent investigation that would not be subject to Maltese government interference. On March 14, 2018, a resolution was passed demanding increased measures for the protection of journalists and an international investigation into Caruana Galizia's murder. The pressure mounted on Malta's government as international scrutiny intensified, with numerous human rights organizations echoing similar calls for justice. The stakes became increasingly high, and the tension in Malta reached a boiling point.
During a parliamentary debate in April 2018, opposition leaders demanded accountability. Opposition leader Adrian Delia publicly challenged Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, stating, "The Maltese people deserve to know the truth. We cannot let Daphne's death be swept under the rug." His words resonated deeply with a populace that felt betrayed by a system that seemed to prioritize political stability over justice. The inquiry's implications were profound, raising questions about the integrity of Malta's political system and the lengths to which individuals would go to protect their interests.
As the investigation continued, the public's faith in their institutions hung in the balance. The inquiry faced delays and obstructions, with reports of missing documents and reluctance from witnesses to come forward. In a 2019 report, the Council of Europe expressed concern about these ongoing issues, stating that “the lack of adequate responses from Maltese authorities raises serious doubts about their commitment to uncovering the truth.” It was evident that the fight for justice would not be straightforward, and with each passing day, the shadows of potential cover-ups grew longer.
In the wake of Caruana Galizia's murder, public sentiment was palpable. Families who had lost loved ones to violence in Malta found themselves echoing her call for justice. Many felt a sense of betrayal not only by the political elite but also by the very institutions that were meant to protect them. The human impact of the secrets kept and the revelations that emerged became a rallying cry for those who sought to dismantle the walls of impunity.
The inquiry's findings, released in early 2020, revealed a troubling nexus between organized crime and political corruption in Malta. The document, which became known as the "Caruana Galizia Report," contained detailed evidence of how some politicians had allegedly colluded with criminal elements to maintain power. It laid bare the intricate web of corruption that had been woven into the fabric of Maltese society—a narrative that Caruana Galizia had been bravely unraveling before her untimely death.
As the investigation progressed, the government faced mounting pressure to hold those responsible accountable. In November 2019, three men were arrested in connection with Caruana Galizia's murder, but the public response was mixed. Many questioned whether these arrests were a genuine effort to seek justice or merely a way to placate the public and international community. The men arrested were believed to be middlemen, and doubts lingered about whether the masterminds behind the assassination would ever be brought to justice.
In a poignant moment, Caruana Galizia’s family took to international platforms, advocating for justice not only for Daphne but for all those who had suffered under systemic corruption. Her son, Paul Caruana Galizia, spoke at a conference in Strasbourg in January 2020, stating, "The fight for my mother’s justice is not just about her; it's about ensuring that no one else has to suffer the same fate for speaking the truth." His words underscored the emotional toll that the ongoing investigations had taken on the family and served as a reminder of the stakes involved in the pursuit of truth.
The investigations into Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder and the subsequent cover-ups revealed a troubling reality: the struggle for justice was fraught with challenges, and the implications extended far beyond the individual case. The inquiry represented a critical juncture for Malta, one that would test the resilience of its democracy and the commitment of its people to demand accountability from those in power. As the dust began to settle on the initial investigations, the fight for justice continued—a testament to the enduring legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia.