Why has Europe remained silent in the face of the murder of Maltese investigative journalist?

Nine years ago, Daphne Caruana Galizia, a prominent Maltese investigative journalist, was brutally murdered by a bomb outside her home. This murder sounded the alarm for freedom of expression and transparency in Europe, but is this alarm still being heard?

Culture of Impunity in Malta

While those directly involved in this murder have been tried and convicted, no one has yet been punished as the mastermind behind this crime. This situation is not only concerning but also indicative of a deep-rooted culture of impunity in Malta that has persisted for years. Last week, the news of the acquittal of Jürgen Fenech, one of Malta's prominent businessmen, of involvement in this murder and criminal connections raised the question once again: does justice really exist?

Continuing Corruption and Lack of Transparency

Corruption at high levels of government and business in Malta is clearly visible. Caruana Galizia bravely exposed this corruption and not only lost her life in the process but now we must ask whether Europe will fulfill its responsibility to support journalists and human rights activists. In her efforts to shed light on the dark corners of corruption in Malta, she not only lost her voice but also amplified the voices of millions of others to the world.

Now is the time for Brussels and other European institutions to stand against this culture of impunity and demand serious reforms in Malta. If Europe fails to respond to this challenge, it will become mere silent spectators of history, and the memory of Daphne Caruana Galizia will remain as a symbol of injustice and corruption.