Arrests in murder of corruption fighting journalist

Maltese authorities announced Monday they have arrested 10 people in connection with the murder of a prominent journalist that sent shock waves around the world.

Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a car bomb attack on October 16, was one of the Mediterranean island’s most prominent public figures thanks to a widely-read blog she used to campaign against corruption.

Her most explosive reports included allegations that members of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s inner circle benefited from kickbacks. But the 53-year-old also focused attention on alleged murky behavior by prominent opposition and business figures.

Speaking to reporters, the prime minister said a joint team of police, military and security services made the arrests following a near sevenweek investigation carried out with help from the FBI, Europol and Finnish intelligence.

Caruana Galizia’s murder triggered an outpouring of grief on Malta and an international outcry over press freedom.

It also turned an unflattering spotlight on the EU country’s problems with corruption and organized crime, both seen as having flourished against the backdrop of a booming economy.

A statement said the suspects had been arrested on the basis of “reasonable suspicion in connection with involvement in the murder” of Caruana Galizia.

All the suspects were Maltese nationals, it said, noting that some were “known to police.”