The trial confirmed just how right the Public Inquiry was

Full responsibility remains on the shoulders of Robert Abela and his Government; the Opposition will continue exerting pressure for the recommendations to be implemented; the PN asks whether Abela is comfortable with the conflicting allegations that Castille knew about the assassination

The Public Inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia was correct, and the three judges were entirely right when they found that the State bore responsibility for creating the culture of impunity that led to the journalist’s murder.

This was stated by Partit Nazzjonalista Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione, Shadow Minister Darren Carabott and PN Spokesperson George Vital Zammit during a press conference this morning. They explained how what emerged from the trial further reinforced the Inquiry’s findings, including the close links between businesspeople and politicians, and the intertwining of organised crime with those in power and political circles.

The Partit Nazzjonalista insists that all this must be addressed immediately by the Government through the implementation, without further delay, of the recommendations that Abela and his colleagues have left gathering dust for five years.

It is unacceptable for the Government to continue dragging its feet instead of seeking to rectify a situation that today concerns not merely one section of the population, but everyone who genuinely cares – through actions, not words – about justice and the truth.

The Court delivered not only a verdict but also a judgment that made it abundantly clear that the Police Commissioner must investigate what was stated under oath. This alone is a clear indication that the Court believes there were individuals who muddied the waters and attempted to prevent the truth from emerging. This is a crucial test for our institutions.

During the press conference, several clips were shown from statements made by Yorgen Fenech while being questioned by the Police. In these statements, he made very serious allegations concerning individuals at Castille, including Keith Schembri – whom he alleged wanted Daphne killed and was behind everything from the outset, and Joseph Muscat – whom he alleged knew everything. Fenech also referred to corruption involving millions of euro in major projects.

The Partit Nazzjonalista is asking whether Robert Abela remains comfortable with the conflicting allegations that Castille knew about the assassination; whether he is comfortable with the fact that, during the last election, a number of Labour candidates hosted Joseph Muscat as the main guest at their activities; and what the real reason was for Abela calling an election one year early.

Abela knows that within his ranks there are still individuals who attacked Daphne Caruana Galizia, her sons and members of civil society who spoke out in favour of justice in this case.

Robert Abela appears comfortable continuing to surround himself with people such as Neville Gafà, who daily launches the most obscene attacks not only against Daphne Caruana Galizia’s relatives but also against anyone who dares criticise members of the Labour Government who enjoy his blessing. He also appears comfortable with the fact that the Minister for Home Affairs is the same person who, for years, led a campaign of hatred against Daphne Caruana Galizia, and that the current Minister responsible for broadcasting is picking up where his predecessor left off, even casting doubt on the reason Daphne was murdered.

It is hardly surprising that Robert Abela is comfortable with these individuals around him when one recalls that he himself accused the journalist’s sons of not genuinely seeking justice for the assassination, but merely seeking to harm the Government.

The Partit Nazzjonalista representatives said that what our country lacks is a mature government that genuinely wants to move forward by doing the obvious and implementing the changes that are so urgently needed, as stated by the three judges who conducted the Public Inquiry and as the Opposition has long insisted.

10.09.2026