The verdict today must not mark the end of the investigations

Arnold Cassola, Leader of Momentum, said, “The authorities must now investigate everyone who may have been involved in the wider conspiracy surrounding Daphne’s assassination, including those allegedly connected to the 2015 plot, the leaking of confidential information from within State institutions, and the alleged obstruction or interference with investigations.”

“Keith Schembri must face a full investigation into the numerous allegations concerning his dealings with Yorgen Fenech, Melvin Theuma and others, including alleged leaks, interference and attempts to influence events surrounding the investigation.”

“Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat must also be fully investigated over the questions raised by evidence concerning his post-assassination contacts with Fenech, Keith Schembri and Kenneth Camilleri, including what he knew about attempts to influence people connected to the murder.”

Momentum said that authorities must also take to task all those public officials who abused their positions or relationships with Fenech, including Rosianne Cutajar, Joseph Cuschieri, Marvin Gaerty and Johann Buttigieg, since credible evidence warrants investigation.

Momentum also believes that the lessons from the Fenech case must go beyond criminal investigations and include a comprehensive review of Malta’s standards of good governance. This should examine potential conflicts of interest, revolving-door practices between politics, public institutions and private business, the selection and appointment of CEOs and senior officials, the independence of public entities, political interference, access to confidential information, procurement and the role of boards and regulators.

Prof. Cassola concluded, “We need to determine whether the rules and safeguards designed to protect our institutions actually worked, and what wrongdoing or abuse of power took place. Good governance cannot simply mean having rules on paper. It means actually implementing practices that prevent political influence, conflicts of interest and the capture of public institutions.”

Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered because she exposed corruption and abuse of power. The public deserves to know the full truth about who planned, enabled, protected or obstructed justice for her murder.

There is hope, you can help!

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