Repubblika considers Robert Abela’s “one-time extension” of the deadline for the conclusion of the Public Inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination to the 15 December 2020, outrageous, unnecessary and not in the interest of justice.

Repubblika would like to remind Robert Abela that the Public Inquiry seeks to determine the role by commission or omission of the State, led by the government under the Premiership of his predecessor Joseph Muscat, in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Repubblika believes that the foremost interest in the conclusion of this Public Inquiry must be the search for the truth with respect to the stated terms of reference, the uncovering of which must lead to justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia, her family and Maltese society in general which expects and demands of its government the highest levels of good governance, including the protection of journalists and all those who would seek to uncover the truth.

Setting seemingly arbitrary constraints on the procedure for the uncovering of this truth is both unnecessary and outrageous and can only be considered an attempt to hinder this procedure.

Repubblika would remind Robert Abela of the people’s anger at the arrogance of his predecessor Joseph Muscat when last November he tried to ride roughshod over our continued calls for truth and justice with respect to the filth and corruption emanating from his office in Castille. We would also remind Robert Abela how the people’s anger and steadfastness also led to the downfall of his disgraced predecessor. Let that be a lesson learnt.

The search for truth must not be constrained and Repubblika pledges to do all it can to see to it that justice is delivered for Daphne, her family and all of us.