The European Commission has condemned the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, in a statement this afternoon.

It said that it was "horrified by the fact that the well-known and respected Maltese journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia, lost her life in what was seemingly a targeted attack.

"Ms Caruana Galizia's career spanned over 30 years. She was a pioneer of investigative journalism in Malta.  Her ability to trigger to debate is a testament to the success of her reporting and her dedication to the pursuit of truth.

"President Juncker and the European Commission condemn this attack in the strongest terms possible. The right of a journalist is to investigate, ask uncomfortable questions, and report effectively is at the heart of values and needs to guaranteed at all times. We trust that justice will be brought and even if this will not be enough to right this wrong.

"At this moment, our thoughts and hearts are with the people of Malta and above all Ms Caruana Galizia's family and colleagues."

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"The murder of prominent investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta is tragic proof that the concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in Malta, which the EPP Group has expressed repeatedly over the past months, were entirely founded", said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, today.

"It is a dark day for democracy when journalists are being silenced by murder. A free nation and full member of the European Union can and should not allow such shocking events to occur. We ask for a full inquiry.

Caruana Galizia  was known internationally for her hard stance against corruption and organised crime. She was the local journalist who revealed the Panama Papers scandal that exposed the Maltese Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff and the then Maltese Energy Minister’s secret companies abroad.

The EPP Group called on the European Commission to act and make sure that a deep and thorough investigation is conducted on the case of Caruana Galizia's murder and that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

 

"We also request an urgent statement by the Commission on intimidation of the press and the protection of media freedom in Malta at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week", said Manfred Weber.