A letter by on behalf of the MEP delegation that came to Malta has been forwarded to the European Council urging the Heads of Government to take a stance on the Maltese situation.
The letter sent to the EU Parliament President was sent by Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar - Chair of the LIBE Committee, and Sophie In't Veld - Chair of the Democracy, Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group. An MEP mission was in Malta on the 3-4 December over the latest developments on the case of the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The letter read that members from all political groups participated in the mission to Malta.
"The findings of the mission are alarming and require urgent action. The delegation met with the police, the judiciary, politicians, journalists and civil society and it has identified several serious shortcomings and threats to the rule of law. These relate directly to the integrity of the murder investigation and the possible political interference therein, as well as to broader challenges of insufficient law enforcement in cases of money laundering and corruption. Recent revelations, including the testimony given by the middleman in court yesterday, suggest involvement of senior members of the Maltese government and staff."
"Our delegation has expressed its concern over the delayed resignation of the Prime Minister announced for January 12th, and the suspension of Parliament. We fear this constitutes a serious risk, real or perceived, that the murder investigation and connected investigations will be compromised."
"The investigation has come to a crucial point, and any risk of political or other interference must be categorically excluded."
"The delegation will report back to the European Parliament in detail, and a plenary debate is scheduled to take place during the Strasbourg session."
"However given the rapid evolution of the situation, and with a view of the upcoming Council Summit, we believe it is important for the Council and the Heads of Government to take a stance. Malta is part of the European Union, and all EU institutions have a responsibility to ensure European Values are upheld throughout the territory of the EU."