The family of the woman who was murdered in her apartment in Swatar earlier this month is insisting that an inquiry into the crime should be set up by the Prime Minister, under the powers only he is granted by Maltese laws.

In a statement on Wednesday, the family of Nicolette Ghirxi took note of the statement issued by the Social Policy Ministry which said an inquiry was established with the aim of carrying out a survey and examination of all the facts and circumstances linked to the murder.

The family, in its statement, said that the decision was taken without any consultation with it, and the inquiry as established is limited to the deal with the social services as requested by the victom before she was killed.

The family said it is insisting that the independent inquiry is set up by the PM under article 4 of Chapter 273 of the laws of Malta. Only the PM has such powers, the family said, through their lawyer Dr Joseph Borda.

The inquiry should also be open to establish the circumstances that led to her murder and to determine whether the State carried out its obligations to protect her life.

The family said it expected to be consulted on the drawing up of the terms of reference for this board of inquiry.