PRISHTINA, 07.03.2019- Yesterday and today, the Republic of Kosovo has been hosting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Promotion of Trade of the Republic of Malta, Carmelo Abela.
While on his visit to Kosovo, the Association of Kosovo Journalists wants to use the opportunity to again express its solidarity with Maltese journalists and appeals to the Maltese state and government, part of which is Mr. Abela, to shed light as soon as possible to the case of murdered investigative journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Journalist Daphne Caruna Galizia was murdered on October 16th, 2017 by a bomb placed on her car. It has been over 500 days from her murder, while the investigation against the perpetrators has been followed with irregularities. It is still unknown as to who ordered the assassination. The Maltese Prime minister continues to reject the request of the family for a public inquiry.
AKJ appeals to Minister Abela and Prime Minister Muscat to shed light to her murder, to allow a public inquiry requested by the family, and to protect Maltese journalists in the future.
One of the key values of the European Union is the right of freedom of expression, safety of journalists and their protection. Only when journalists are safe in Malta and the case of Daphne Caurana Galizia has been resolved, can Minister Abela refer to the respect towards European values by the government and state of Malta.
Every attack against journalists is an attack against public interest, democracy and the rights of all citizens.