The United States of America, through its embassy in Malta, has said that “it is not too late for Malta to bring Daphne’s killers to justice in a credible manner”.

“Accountability, strong judicial processes, transparency and convictions are the best ways to support freedom of expression and rule of law, and deter future would-be criminals.”

The US Embassy welcomed the decision to hold a public inquiry into the murder, and said it continues “to call for a thorough, transparent, and timely conclusion to the investigation into Daphne’s death”.

The American government also further assistance, saying it “stands ready to support the investigation in any way we can, if requested by the Maltese authorities”.

It explained how following the Maltese government’s initial call for assistance, “we supported our Maltese partners in the investigation that led to three arrests so far”.

The US Embassy noted how there have been 19 bomb attacks, five of which were fatal, in Malta – “and too many remain unresolved.”

“The attack on Daphne,” the US Embassy said, “stands apart because she was an influential journalist and blogger of international renown who took risks to promote greater transparency and speak uncomfortable truths to those in power.”