Malta's Prime Minister to resign amid pressure over Galizia case

The investigative journalist was killed by a car bomb in October 2017

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat talks to reporters in Valletta, Malta, Wednesday, November 20, 2019. AP Photo/Jonathan Borg

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has told his associates that he plans to resign immediately, as scrutiny over the investigation of the killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia mounts.

The Times of Malta reported on Friday that Mr Muscat's decision was driven by the political and legal crisis brought about by the investigation into the murdered reporter.

Galizia, who was Malta’s most well-known investigative journalist, was killed by a car bomb in October 2017. She wrote stories exposing government corruption, nepotism and allegations of money laundering.

The probe into the journalist’s murder has ruffled the government, with two ministers and chief of staff Keith Schembri resigning from their posts earlier this week. Crowds of protesters have been out on the streets of Valletta, Malta's capital, accusing Mr Muscat's government of covering up the investigation into Galizia's murder.

Malta’s government said earlier on Friday that it had rejected a request from prominent businessman Yorgen Fenech for immunity from prosecution in connection with the killing.

After a marathon cabinet meeting that began at 8pm on Thursday and ended at 3am on Friday, Malta’s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, told reporters that he would deny Fenech’s request for legal immunity.

Mr Muscat said earlier it was now up to the Maltese president to decide on whether to pardon the tycoon, adding that the country’s attorney general and police have advised the government against it.

Fenech, who was arrested on board a yacht leaving Malta just over a week ago, is a prime suspect in the case of Galizia’s killing. He was arrested after middleman in the murder Melvin Theuma was offered a pardon to identify those involved. He is now out on police bail, after his 48-hour arrest deadline expired.

In a letter to Maltese President George Vella, Fenech’s lawyers said their client was prepared to give information relating to Mr Schembri and former tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, who resigned on Tuesday, and former economy minister Chris Cardona, who has “suspended himself” from his duties this week.

The case will be considered by the court on Friday afternoon.

On Thursday, the business tycoon filed a request to remove chief investigator Keith Arnaud, saying that he had been informing Mr Schembri of the details in the murder case.

A protester holds up a picture of murdered reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia on the fourth day of a demonstration outside Malta's prime minister's office in Valletta, Malta. AP Photo

Protestors shout slogans outside Malta's prime minister's office. AP Photo

Students hold signs and a banner outside the Government Palace following the resignation of government ministers. Reuters

A protester holds up a fake banknote showing the faces of Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his former chief of staff Keith Schembri. AP

A protester holds a sign during a protest outside the Government Palace. Reuters

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest outside the Parliament. Reuters

A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest outside the Parliament. Reuters

A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest outside the Parliament. Reuters

A policeman was injured as demonstrators protest outside Malta's House of Parliament. EPA

A memorial to Daphne Caruana Galizia at the Great Siege Monument. EPA

Police announced on Thursday that Schembri, who had been arrested on Monday, had now been released as he was no longer considered a person of interest in the case. His release drew the ire of crowds following the case from outside Muscat’s office. Those crowds have accused the government of covering up the investigation.

Mr Muscat had said earlier on Friday that he intended to stay in power until the investigation had concluded.