MEP David Casa has branded Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri as

"We cannot bring Daphne Caruana Galizia back. But what we can do is to fully understand her struggles in life, and take action so that journalists do not go through what she had to endure," Casa told an event on Thursday at the European Parliament titled 'Risking everything to uphold EU values and democracy: Protecting journalists in the EU'.

Casa noted that Caruana Galizia was the target of a coordinated hate campaign spanning a decade. It had culminated in multiple abusive legal threats against her, known as SLAPP. In certain cases, these were planned in concert with persons in highest levels of power in Malta.

"There must be consequences for the systemic targeting of a journalist in an EU member state. And we must effectively address the use of lawsuits to intimidate and bully journalists", stated Casa.

David Casa thanked European Commission Vice President-elect Vera Jourova, who also formed part of the panel, for her work in the last legislature.

"I know how hard Commissioner Jourova worked on these issues. I know that there are some complex legal questions that have delayed progress. However, it is my firm belief that these challenges can be overcome." 

Casa also referred to the importance of ensuring that institutions do their duty.

"Daphne was most in danger when those that she exposed remained in positions of power. A journalist can only go so far. Following a journalist's investigation is the country's institutions that must do their duty. A journalist cannot prosecute suspects. Those that Daphne exposed as corrupt - engaged in criminal activity - continue to hold public office today."

Casa referred to Daphne Caruana Galizia's work on the Panama Papers as well as her work on 17 Black that she was prevented from finishing herself. He stated that it was unacceptable that that 17 Black owner Yorgen Fenech continues to run Malta's power station.

"The Panama Papers led to resignations in countries like Pakistan and Mongolia.

But not in Malta - an EU member state. In Malta, Konrad Mizzi is currently aspiring to become Malta's next Prime Minister. We have to be stronger in standing against these travesties of justice. Konrad Mizzi, Keith Schembri and Yorgen Fenech are not just Maltese problems. They are European problems.

"Journalists will not be safe while they stand alone in between the rule of law and those that wish to undermine it".