Joseph Muscat: Malta prime minister expected to resign over journalist's murder
Reported decision to resign follows questioning and release of PM's chief of staff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Malta's prime minister, Joseph Muscat, has told associates that he plans to resign imminently, the Times of Malta reported on Friday.
His decision was brought on by the political and legal crisis brought about by the investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, according to the newspaper.
Authorities questioned Mr Muscat's right-hand man Keith Schembri this week in their investigation of the murder of Caruana Galizia, who was blown up by a car bomb in 2017.
Her family demanded on Friday that Mr Muscat resign, after Mr Schembri was set free overnight.
Mr Schembri, who resigned this week as Muscat's chief of staff, denies wrongdoing.
Earlier on Friday, Yorgen Fenech was released on police bail, and police sources said he would continue to be closely monitored to ensure he does not flee.
Mr Fenech, one of Malta's richest men, was arrested last week while trying to leave the country on his yacht. He has since been released and re-arrested four times as police struggle with a legal limit that requires suspects to be freed if they are not charged within 48 hours.
After two years of stalled investigations, the authorities have moved rapidly in recent days in the murder case.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments