Vicious killing of brave journalist shows chilling power of corrupt forces in Europe

Gabi Zimmer, GUE/NGL President, on the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta:

“The shocking death of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a journalist who did so much to shed light on corruption through her investigations into the Panama Papers scandal, is a vicious attack on freedom of speech and democracy.”

“Our thoughts and sympathies lie with the friends, family and colleagues of this brave woman. We urgently need a complete and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death so that the forces behind it are exposed and brought to justice.”

“We, in the European Parliament, owe a lot to all the whistleblowers and journalists, like Ms Galizia, who worked to expose the corruption and money laundering of the Panama Papers scandal. Indeed, as the Parliament’s own investigation into this scandal comes to a head this week, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that the underworld of money laundering, tax fraud, and corruption in our midst is tackled comprehensively. Crucial to all this are adequate protections for those journalists who serve the public interest by exposing these networks. Prime Minister Muscat has a particular duty in this regard as he has promised the European Parliament that he would do everything possible in order to have a full investigation and clarification of tax fraud cases.”

GUE/NGL Press Contact: David Lundy
BXL +32 228 32236 | STB +33 3881 74097
mobile  +32 485 50 58 12
david.lundy@ep.europa.eu