Scandal-hit PM to resign over murder probe
Malta’s prime minister is to step down amid a growing scandal over his government’s handling of a probe into the murder of an investigative journalist.
Joseph Muscat has come under mounting pressure by thousands of protestors who hold daily demonstrations outside his office.
A car bomb killed anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on October 16, 2017.
Her family have urged Mr Muscat to resign. Her son, Paul Caruana Galizia, said: “We urge the prime minister to step aside and let an unconflicted deputy take over.”
The call came after Mr Muscat’s former chief aide was released from jail amid a probe aimed at finding the mastermind of the 2017 murder.
On Friday, the PM’s cabinet denied a request to pardon Yorgen Fenech, who has appeared in court in connection with the murder.
Mr Fenech’s lawyers said the businessman’s testimony will implicate senior government figures, including Mr Muscat’s former chief aide, who has denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Muscat has also spoken to police over claims that Mr Fenech would implicate him unless he advised his cabinet to pardon him.
Mr Muscat denied any wrongdoing, but has said he will step down on January 18, after his Labour Party elects a successor.
Mr Fenech was identified last year as the owner of 17 Black, listed in the Panama Papers.
Ms Caruana Galizia wrote about 17 Black eight months before her death, alleging it had links to senior government figures.
Mr Fenech denied any wrongdoing.