The mafia does not disappear because the Prime Minister denies that it exists, Repubblika said Monday while urging the government to introduce a law targeting mafia-type organisations

Accusing the Prime Minister Robert Abela of refusing to implement a recommendation made by the public inquiry into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the NGO said the government should act on the inquiry's recommendation for legislation modelled on Article 416-bis of the Italian Criminal Code, which specifically criminalises mafia-type associations and their use of intimidation to gain control over economic activities and influence public institutions.

In a statement, Repubblika said it first proposed the introduction of such a law in January 2021, during the public inquiry into Caruana Galizia's assassination, and that the inquiry subsequently adopted the recommendation in its final report.

Five years later, the organisation said, the recommendation remained unimplemented.

The statement followed remarks by Abela that the mafia does not exist in Malta. Repubblika argued that whether mafia-type organisations operate in the country should be investigated by the police and determined by the courts, rather than settled through political declarations.

Repubblika argued that existing provisions in the Maltese Criminal Code covering conspiracy, criminal organisations and money laundering did not specifically address the defining characteristics of mafia-type associations, including intimidation, enforced silence and the use of criminal influence to control economic and political activity.

It said legislation modelled on the Italian law would give authorities additional tools to investigate whether different crimes were connected to organisations seeking to accumulate wealth, influence institutions and secure economic advantages.

The NGO referred to the convictions of George and Alfred Degiorgio for Caruana Galizia's assassination and money laundering, as well as the money-laundering conviction of their brother Mario. It questioned why scrutiny of the brothers' wealth had not taken place effectively before the journalist's murder.

The statement also referred to cases involving people connected to the supply of explosives, assassinations and the movement of money, arguing that links between separate criminal cases warranted investigation. It acknowledged, however, that connections and suspicions did not in themselves establish responsibility for individual crimes.

Repubblika also cited cases involving public contracts, energy projects and planning decisions to argue that corruption and political influence could be used to secure economic advantages. It referred to the Electrogas project, the Montenegro wind-energy transaction and the proposed Mrieħel towers development, while noting that the cases involved different circumstances and that not every suspicion of corruption had been proven.

The organisation said an anti-mafia law should not be interpreted as a declaration that such organisations already existed in Malta, but as a means of ensuring the state could investigate and prosecute them if the evidence warranted it.

It rejected the argument that such legislation would damage Malta's reputation or discourage investors, saying effective laws against organised crime would protect legitimate businesses from intimidation, corruption and unfair competition.

Repubblika also referred to international investigations into alleged mafia activity involving gaming companies registered in Malta and the illegal trafficking of fuel from Libya to Europe. It cited warnings made in 2017 by Italian anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri and then-president of the Italian Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission Rosy Bindi about the risks of organised crime exploiting Malta's financial and gaming sectors.

The NGO called on the government to begin work immediately on implementing the public inquiry's recommendation, with advice from independent experts, investigators and prosecutors experienced in tackling mafia organisations.

It added that legislative changes would need to be accompanied by adequate resources and independence for the police, prosecutors and courts.

Repubblika said it would renew its demands for justice and accountability on Friday, 16 October, the ninth anniversary of Caruana Galizia's assassination. The organisation invited the public to join a march beginning in front of Parliament in Valletta at 7pm and proceeding towards the Courts of Justice.

The NGO said the implementation of the public inquiry's recommendations, including an effective law against mafia-type organisations, was necessary to prevent similar events from happening again.