Maltese Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Keith Schembri resigns

Today, Keith Schembri the Chief of Staff of the Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, has resigned following the arrest of businessman Yorgen Fenech last week in connection with the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Fenech owns the company 17 Black, which appeared in the 'Panama Papers' with connections to Schembri and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi. The connections were uncovered through the work of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia's is on-going.  

Sven Giegold, Greens/EFA MEP who visited Malta following the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, comments:

"Schembri's resignation was overdue, his involvement in the Panama Papers and questionable deals in the energy sector have been known about for years. The fact that it's taken so long for Schembri to resign raises serious questions around the judgement of Prime Minister Muscat who has protected him, despite numerous revelations from journalists including Daphne Caruana Galizia. The Maltese authorities must investigate the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia free of political influence and must not shy away from questioning members of the government if they are implicated in the investigation.

"An international investigation is now needed to clarify any potential links between the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the involvement of the Maltese government. An international investigation could be carried out by recognised judges and personalities and would restore international confidence in Malta's rule of law. There must be justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family in order for Malta to move forward."