Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told The Malta Independent that he sees no need for an independent inquiry into the killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia while a magisterial inquiry is already taking place.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a Cabinet meeting, Muscat did not exclude other inquiries once the magisterial investigation is concluded, explaining that the government has been given legal advice indicating that initiating a separate inquiry on the issue would prejudice the inquiry underway. 

Asked by the newsroom whether he believed that an independent inquiry, headed by former judges, should be opened to examine the links between politicians and assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Muscat did not answer the question directly, instead saying that Caruana Galizia's family had requested an inquiry be opened into whether her death could have been avoided and not what the newsroom was suggesting.

Pressed on reports regarding the presence of Economy Minister Chris Cardona in activities where the suspects linked with the Caruana Galizia were also present, Muscat said that the journalist had also written about certain links Opposition Leader Adrian Delia had.

On the report published by La Repubblica, Muscat maintained that the article contained information and testimonies reportedly given to the Magistrate conducting the investigation.

He added that the government could not ascertain whether such testimonies were given or their veracity, given that it has no oversight of the process.