Former Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano Says He Quit Daphne Inquiry Over Interference
In brief
- Former Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano revealed he withdrew from chairing the Daphne Caruana Galizia inquiry due to government interference.
- De Gaetano said repeated suggestions were made regarding the workings and personnel of the inquiry panel.
- Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat rejected the claims, maintaining that no improper interference occurred.
Former Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano has disclosed that he stepped back from chairing the public inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia due to persistent government interference.
Speaking during an interview with Andrew Azzopardi on Campus FM, De Gaetano explained that he had initially agreed to head the board of inquiry following preliminary discussions about its setup.
However, De Gaetano stated that repeated suggestions and interventions from the administration regarding the operations and membership of the board led him to withdraw his acceptance.
The government at the time was led by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who has rejected the claims, denying that any improper interference took place during the establishment of the inquiry.
The inquiry was ultimately established in late 2019 under the leadership of retired judge Michael Mallia, sitting alongside former Chief Justice Joseph Said Pullicino and Madame Justice Abigail Lofaro.
The board concluded its work in July 2021, delivering a comprehensive report that found the Maltese state responsible for the assassination by enabling a culture of impunity.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. All reporting covered the former Chief Justice's interview statements consistently, with Times of Malta additionally noting Joseph Muscat's denial.