Political&nbsp;newcomer&nbsp;Robert Abela was set to&nbsp;become&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-protesters-block-entry-to-prime-ministers-office-267243">Malta's</a>&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltese-prime-minister-announces-plans-to-step-down-265627">Joseph Muscat</a> is stepping down as leader and&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">Daphne Caruana Galizia</a>.

The election result became known early on Sunday with Abela winning 58 per cent&nbsp;of the votes of some 17,500 members of the party. He was up against Chris Fearne, 56, the deputy&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;and&nbsp;minister&nbsp;of health, who had been the initial favourite to win.

Muscat announced his resignation on December 1, saying he would step down once a new Labour leader was elected.

Watch:&nbsp;Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announces step down

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Abela, 42, a lawyer specialising in industrial and labour law, was elected to parliament for the first time just over two years ago. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-rises-on-malta-pm-to-resign-over-slain-reporter-case-265371">Muscat</a> appointed him a consultant, enabling him to attend Cabinet meetings.

"I am humbled" he told supporters. "I thank my friend Chris (Fearne) and look forward to working together for the good of the party and the country. There is only one winner today, the Labour Party."

Abela has said he will place increased government focus on social issues and affordable housing. He also promised to give free medicines to all pensioners within five years. During the campaign, however, he avoided interviews with the independent press.

His father, George Abela, was deputy leader of the Labour Party until 1998 and had contested the party leadership election which saw Muscat&nbsp;become&nbsp;party leader in 2008. He later served as president of Malta.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/robertabela_mt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robertabela_mt</a> on being elected <a href="https://twitter.com/PL_Malta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PL_Malta</a> leader. Proud to be handing over to him <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Malta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Malta</a> PM office on Monday. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisfearne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrisfearne</a> for your excellent contribution to the party and country -JM
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephMuscat_JM/status/1216157417580437504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-pm-says-no-immunity-for-top-suspect-in-journalist-killing-265179">Joseph Musca</a>t in a tweet said he was proud to hand over to Abela. He said he would formally resign as&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;on Monday.

He has said he will stay on in parliament and promote civil rights reform. He also intends working on a project to raise the level of Malta sports athletes.

Political newcomer Robert Abela was set to become Malta's new prime minister having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday. Joseph Muscat is stepping down as leader and prime minister amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Political newcomer Robert Abela was set to become Malta's new prime minister having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday. Joseph Muscat is stepping down as leader and prime minister amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The election result became known early on Sunday with Abela winning 58 per cent of the votes of some 17,500 members of the party. He was up against Chris Fearne, 56, the deputy prime minister and minister of health, who had been the initial favourite to win. Muscat announced his resignation on December 1, saying he would step down once a new Labour leader was elected. Watch: Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announces step down × Abela, 42, a lawyer specialising in industrial and labour law, was elected to parliament for the first time just over two years ago. Muscat appointed him a consultant, enabling him to attend Cabinet meetings. "I am humbled" he told supporters. "I thank my friend Chris (Fearne) and look forward to working together for the good of the party and the country. There is only one winner today, the Labour Party." Abela has said he will place increased government focus on social issues and affordable housing. He also promised to give free medicines to all pensioners within five years. During the campaign, however, he avoided interviews with the independent press. His father, George Abela, was deputy leader of the Labour Party until 1998 and had contested the party leadership election which saw Muscat become party leader in 2008. He later served as president of Malta. Congratulations @robertabela_mt on being elected @PL_Malta leader. Proud to be handing over to him #Malta PM office on Monday. Thank you @chrisfearne for your excellent contribution to the party and country -JM — Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) January 12, 2020 × Joseph Muscat in a tweet said he was proud to hand over to Abela. He said he would formally resign as prime minister on Monday. He has said he will stay on in parliament and promote civil rights reform. He also intends working on a project to raise the level of Malta sports athletes.

Malta: Robert Abela set to become new PM as Joseph Muscat steps down

A Dubai bank shuttered accounts earlier this year of a secret offshore company belonging to a Maltese businessman since charged with the murder of an investigative journalist, two banking officials have said.

The businessman, Yorgen Fenech, was charged last month with complicity in the 2017 killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-protesters-block-entry-to-prime-ministers-office-267243">Daphne Caruana Galizia</a>, who had written about the company, 17 Black Limited, shortly before her death. He has denied the accusation.

The banking officials said&nbsp;that prior to the murder accusation, Noor Bank had handed Fenech two cheques totalling 6.1 million dirhams ($1.7 million) when in April 2019 it closed the accounts established in the name 17 Black.

One official, the acting head of the United Arab Emirates' Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Ali Faisal Ba'Alawi, said the bank had decided to hand back the money, deeming the customer to be "high risk". This happened just months after a Reuters investigation had identified Fenech as the owner.

Senior police sources in Malta have told that they are investigating whether 17 Black's activities may have been a potential motive for Caruana Galizia's killing. Fenech denies any wrongdoing.

Noor Bank did not respond to a request for comment.

Dated April 23, 2019, the cheques have not yet been deposited.&nbsp;

Fenech declined to say whether he owned 17 Black. The two cheques in his name are the first documented evidence that connects him to the company. His lawyers did not respond to requests for comment on the two cheques.

Eight months before her death, Caruana Galizia wrote in her blog about 17 Black. She alleged it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-police-arrest-businessman-fenech-in-journalist-murder-case-sources-263407">connected to Maltese politicians</a>, but no evidence has so far emerged to back up her assertion.

In a telephone interview, Ba'Alawi said the money was released to Fenech because no valid freezing order had been received from any authority, including Malta.

If requested, the cash could still be blocked, he said.

"I can confirm these cheques have not been deposited anywhere so everything remains as is," he said, speaking after being shown by Reuters copies of the cheques issued to Fenech.

Another senior UAE financial official, who declined to be named, also told that the cheques were authentic.

"HIGH RISK"

The copies of the cheques were passed by an anonymous source to the Daphne Project, a group of media organisations that has continued some of Caruana Galizia's work and is coordinated by Forbidden Stories, an NGO in Paris.

Registered as an offshore company in the UAE emirate Ajman, 17 Black opened accounts at Noor Bank in 2015. In 2017, after Caruana Galizia wrote about it, it was renamed Wings Development Ltd.

Ba'Alawi said the decision to close the accounts was made by the bank.

"The cheques you have a copy of, are manager cheques, meaning the accounts have been closed because the customer is deemed to be of a high risk and beyond the bank's risk appetite or threshold," he said.

In Malta, officials had previously been sharply critical of the UAE. One senior investigator closely briefed on the Caruana Galizia case told&nbsp;that the UAE's responses to questions about 17 Black had been incomplete and that information was supplied in the form of financial intelligence which, under the rules by which is its shared, could not be disclosed by police in court evidence.

Ba'Alawi said his Financial Intelligence Unit could and would give full permission to Malta to use the intelligence as evidence for a police investigation or court, if Malta made a request.

"In our case, if that consent is sought, we provide that consent," he said.

Ba'Alawi added that if any information was lacking "they have full right to ask for further information".

In Malta, a spokesman for Ba'Alawi's counterpart, the Financial Intelligence and Analysis Unit (FIAU) said that, under Malta’s system, it was for the police and courts to make additional requests for legal assistance from another country, either to produce evidence that could be used in court or to freeze funds.

The Maltese senior investigator in the case said that legal discussions were ongoing between the UAE and Malta to secure all necessary evidence and seize any funds, if appropriate.

A Dubai bank shuttered accounts earlier this year of a secret offshore company belonging to a Maltese businessman since charged with the murder of an investigative journalist, two banking officials have said.

A Dubai bank shuttered accounts earlier this year of a secret offshore company belonging to a Maltese businessman since charged with the murder of an investigative journalist, two banking officials have said. The businessman, Yorgen Fenech, was charged last month with complicity in the 2017 killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, who had written about the company, 17 Black Limited, shortly before her death. He has denied the accusation. The banking officials said that prior to the murder accusation, Noor Bank had handed Fenech two cheques totalling 6.1 million dirhams ($1.7 million) when in April 2019 it closed the accounts established in the name 17 Black. One official, the acting head of the United Arab Emirates' Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Ali Faisal Ba'Alawi, said the bank had decided to hand back the money, deeming the customer to be "high risk". This happened just months after a Reuters investigation had identified Fenech as the owner. Senior police sources in Malta have told that they are investigating whether 17 Black's activities may have been a potential motive for Caruana Galizia's killing. Fenech denies any wrongdoing. Noor Bank did not respond to a request for comment. Dated April 23, 2019, the cheques have not yet been deposited. Fenech declined to say whether he owned 17 Black. The two cheques in his name are the first documented evidence that connects him to the company. His lawyers did not respond to requests for comment on the two cheques. Eight months before her death, Caruana Galizia wrote in her blog about 17 Black. She alleged it was connected to Maltese politicians, but no evidence has so far emerged to back up her assertion. In a telephone interview, Ba'Alawi said the money was released to Fenech because no valid freezing order had been received from any authority, including Malta. If requested, the cash could still be blocked, he said. "I can confirm these cheques have not been deposited anywhere so everything remains as is," he said, speaking after being shown by Reuters copies of the cheques issued to Fenech. Another senior UAE financial official, who declined to be named, also told that the cheques were authentic. "HIGH RISK" The copies of the cheques were passed by an anonymous source to the Daphne Project, a group of media organisations that has continued some of Caruana Galizia's work and is coordinated by Forbidden Stories, an NGO in Paris. Registered as an offshore company in the UAE emirate Ajman, 17 Black opened accounts at Noor Bank in 2015. In 2017, after Caruana Galizia wrote about it, it was renamed Wings Development Ltd. Ba'Alawi said the decision to close the accounts was made by the bank. "The cheques you have a copy of, are manager cheques, meaning the accounts have been closed because the customer is deemed to be of a high risk and beyond the bank's risk appetite or threshold," he said. In Malta, officials had previously been sharply critical of the UAE. One senior investigator closely briefed on the Caruana Galizia case told that the UAE's responses to questions about 17 Black had been incomplete and that information was supplied in the form of financial intelligence which, under the rules by which is its shared, could not be disclosed by police in court evidence. Ba'Alawi said his Financial Intelligence Unit could and would give full permission to Malta to use the intelligence as evidence for a police investigation or court, if Malta made a request. "In our case, if that consent is sought, we provide that consent," he said. Ba'Alawi added that if any information was lacking "they have full right to ask for further information". In Malta, a spokesman for Ba'Alawi's counterpart, the Financial Intelligence and Analysis Unit (FIAU) said that, under Malta’s system, it was for the police and courts to make additional requests for legal assistance from another country, either to produce evidence that could be used in court or to freeze funds. The Maltese senior investigator in the case said that legal discussions were ongoing between the UAE and Malta to secure all necessary evidence and seize any funds, if appropriate.

UAE shuts accounts of Maltese tycoon accused of journalist's murder

Malta's prime minister convened an emergency meeting Sunday as pressure mounted for him to quit over his handling of the murder probe of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The meeting came a day after the main suspect in the 2017 car bomb killing, tycoon Yorgen Fenech, was charged with complicity in the murder and had his assets frozen by a court.

The investigation has rocked the southern Mediterranean island and reached the highest rungs of politics.

Critics have accused Labour premier Joseph Muscat, 45, of protecting those involved in Caruana Galizia's murder.&nbsp;

The scandal has already claimed the scalps of Muscat's top aide Keith Schembri and two ministers.&nbsp;

Police sources said Fenech identified Schembri as the "real mastermind" behind the killing.&nbsp;

Muscat's departure date was likely to be the focus of Sunday's emergency meeting of ministers and MPs, a senior Labour source told AFP.

"The prime minister has said from the outset that he will leave no stone unturned to solve this despicable murder under his watch and he delivered exactly that with the arraignment of someone who is believed to have commissioned the murder," the source said.

"His exit has been on the cards for a while and he feels that now is the best time to bow out and allow fresh blood to take up on the extremely positive results delivered by Joseph Muscat in the six years at the helm."

On Saturday, party insiders told AFP that Muscat would step down at the latest on January 18 when the Labour Party is set to hold an election for his successor.

Caruana Galizia's family and protesters have taken to the streets and called for Muscat to resign.

However, he repeatedly insisted he would remain in power until the case was "closed".

'One-woman Wikileaks'

Caruana Galizia, a popular journalist and blogger described as a "one-woman WikiLeaks", exposed cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite.

She accused Schembri of corruption along with tourism minister Konrad Mizzi and economy minister Chris Cardona, all three of whom stepped down last week.

Leaked emails revealed in court indicated that both Schembri and Mizzi stood to receive payments from a Dubai company called 17 Black, owned by Fenech.

The murder probe gained momentum following last week's arrest of the tycoon whose business interests span the energy, casinos and tourism sectors.

His detention came after an alleged middleman in the murder, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, was offered a pardon to identify others who were involved.

Schembri, Muscat's former chief of staff, was arrested Tuesday but his release on Thursday sparked accusations of a cover-up.

Anti-government protesters were set to hold fresh rallies outside the parliament in Valletta on Sunday.

A Maltese court is expected to rule Monday on a request by Fenech for the chief investigator in the case, Keith Arnaud, to be removed, amid allegations he also had close ties to Schembri and the prime minister.

Malta's prime minister convened an emergency meeting Sunday as pressure mounted for him to quit over his handling of the murder probe of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Malta's prime minister convened an emergency meeting Sunday as pressure mounted for him to quit over his handling of the murder probe of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The meeting came a day after the main suspect in the 2017 car bomb killing, tycoon Yorgen Fenech, was charged with complicity in the murder and had his assets frozen by a court. The investigation has rocked the southern Mediterranean island and reached the highest rungs of politics. Critics have accused Labour premier Joseph Muscat, 45, of protecting those involved in Caruana Galizia's murder. The scandal has already claimed the scalps of Muscat's top aide Keith Schembri and two ministers. Police sources said Fenech identified Schembri as the "real mastermind" behind the killing. Muscat's departure date was likely to be the focus of Sunday's emergency meeting of ministers and MPs, a senior Labour source told AFP. "The prime minister has said from the outset that he will leave no stone unturned to solve this despicable murder under his watch and he delivered exactly that with the arraignment of someone who is believed to have commissioned the murder," the source said. "His exit has been on the cards for a while and he feels that now is the best time to bow out and allow fresh blood to take up on the extremely positive results delivered by Joseph Muscat in the six years at the helm." On Saturday, party insiders told AFP that Muscat would step down at the latest on January 18 when the Labour Party is set to hold an election for his successor. Caruana Galizia's family and protesters have taken to the streets and called for Muscat to resign. However, he repeatedly insisted he would remain in power until the case was "closed". 'One-woman Wikileaks' Caruana Galizia, a popular journalist and blogger described as a "one-woman WikiLeaks", exposed cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite. She accused Schembri of corruption along with tourism minister Konrad Mizzi and economy minister Chris Cardona, all three of whom stepped down last week. Leaked emails revealed in court indicated that both Schembri and Mizzi stood to receive payments from a Dubai company called 17 Black, owned by Fenech. The murder probe gained momentum following last week's arrest of the tycoon whose business interests span the energy, casinos and tourism sectors. His detention came after an alleged middleman in the murder, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, was offered a pardon to identify others who were involved. Schembri, Muscat's former chief of staff, was arrested Tuesday but his release on Thursday sparked accusations of a cover-up. Anti-government protesters were set to hold fresh rallies outside the parliament in Valletta on Sunday. A Maltese court is expected to rule Monday on a request by Fenech for the chief investigator in the case, Keith Arnaud, to be removed, amid allegations he also had close ties to Schembri and the prime minister.

Malta PM holds emergency talks as pressure to quit mounts

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Friday the main suspect in the 2017 killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia would not be granted immunity to disclose what he knows about the case.

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Friday the main suspect in the 2017 killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia would not be granted immunity to disclose what he knows about the case. After an emergency cabinet meeting that dragged on for more than six hours through the night, Muscat told reporters the decision to deny an immunity request for suspect Yorgen Fenech followed the recommendations of the attorney general and police commissioner. An intensifying probe into the murder of Caruana Galizia, who was blown up by a car bomb in October 2017, has destabilised Muscat's government. This week two ministers and chief of staff Keith Schembri have stepped down from their posts. The death of Caruana Galizia -- a popular journalist and blogger described as a "one-woman WikiLeaks" who exposed corruption in Malta -- shocked the country and sparked protests for justice. Muscat said he recused himself from the decision over Fenech, since the suspect under police interrogation had identified Schembri as the mastermind behind Caruana Galizia's killing, according to sources. "Yorgen Fenech asked for a pardon for the second time after making allegations about Keith Schembri so I did not want to shoulder the responsibility myself and called in the cabinet," Muscat told reporters, saying their decision was unanimous. On Thursday evening, as Muscat and his ministers met behind closed doors, police said Schembri -- who was arrested on Tuesday -- had been released. Political fallout Muscat has been heavily criticised over the government's handling of the case, and on Tuesday vowed to resign if links were found between himself and the murder. On Friday he said his government was "committed to investigate all allegations of illegalities." "I want this case to be closed under my watch," said Muscat. The political fallout of the investigation gathered momentum on Tuesday as Schembri resigned, as did tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, while economy minister Chris Cardona said he was "suspending himself". Fenech, a tycoon whose business interests span the energy and tourism sectors, was arrested on his yacht last week after a middleman in the murder, Melvin Theuma, was offered a pardon to identify those involved. On Thursday, Fenech filed a request in court to remove the chief investigator in the case, Keith Arnaud, alleging that he had been informing Schembri of details in the murder probe. Fenech also alleged that Arnaud had a conflict of interest, having previously sought the chief of staff's help in finding a job for his wife. Caruana Galizia, who exposed cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite, had alleged that Schembri and Mizzi had been involved in corruption. Leaked emails revealed in court appeared to show both politicians stood to receive payments from a Dubai company called 17 Black, owned by Fenech. The family of Caruana Galizia has called for Muscat to resign, saying he has "blood on his hands" for protecting Schembri and Mizzi. The European Parliament will send a mission to Malta, according to German Greens MEP Sven Giegold. A new mission was warranted given "questions around the independence of the judicial system and severe allegations of corruption at the highest levels", said Giegold, who went to the Mediterranean island on a similar assignment after Caruana Galizia's death, in a statement.

Malta PM says no immunity for top suspect in journalist killing

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat came under increasing pressure to resign Friday as protesters cried foul over the latest twist in the case of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

An intensifying probe into the murder of Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb in October 2017, has destabilised his government.

The Times of Malta said Muscat told associates Friday he plans to resign imminently, though AFP was not able to immediately confirm the report.

This week saw two ministers and Muscat's chief of staff Keith Schembri step down from their posts. Arrested on Tuesday, Schembri was released on Thursday, sparking accusations of a cover-up.

Early Friday, Muscat said the main suspect in Galizia's killing, tycoon Yorgen Fenech, would not be granted immunity to disclose what he knows about the case. He was later released on bail.

"Every minute (Muscat) remains in office he increases the risk of justice not being done," opposition leader Adrian Delia said.

'Judge, jury, executioner'

Muscat has been heavily criticised over the handling of the case, amid allegations he has obstructed justice by protecting high-profile politicians. Earlier this week he vowed to resign if links were found between himself and the murder.

He insisted early Friday that he would remain in power, telling reporters he wanted "this case to be closed under my watch".

His comments infuriated protesters. Fresh demonstrations were planned for later Friday.

"We share Malta's shock and anger at the release of Keith Schembri," the Caruana Galizia family said in a statement.

"At least two witnesses and multiple pieces of physical evidence implicate Schembri in the assassination of our wife and mother," they said.

They accused Muscat of playing "judge, jury, and executioner in an assassination investigation that so far implicates three of his closest colleagues."

'Attempted blackmail'

Muscat said he had recused himself from the decision over Fenech, since the suspect under police interrogation had identified Schembri as the mastermind behind Caruana Galizia's killing, according to sources.

He later said in a statement that he had reported Fenech to the police for attempted blackmail, saying the mogul had threatened to implicate him in the affair if he was not given immunity.

Fenech, a tycoon whose business interests span the energy and tourism sectors, was arrested on his yacht last week after an alleged middleman in the murder, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, was offered a pardon to identify those involved.

That arrest was followed swiftly by the resignation of Schembri and tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, while economy minister Chris Cardona said he was "suspending himself".

Caruana Galizia, who exposed cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite, had alleged that Schembri and then economy minister Mizzi had been involved in corruption. She had named Cardona in a separate case.

Leaked emails revealed in court appeared to show both Schembri and Mizzi stood to receive payments from a Dubai company called 17 Black, owned by Fenech.

The Caruana Galizia family expressed incredulity over Schembri's release, pointing to the fact the former chief of staff and Fenech have the same doctor, who reportedly served as an intermediary, passing secret notes between them.

'Fear for my life'

A Maltese court heard a request by Fenech Friday for the chief investigator in the case, Keith Arnaud, to be removed, amid allegations he had close ties to Schembri and the prime minister. A decision was expected Monday.

"I fear for my life. I'm ready to go all the way for justice to prevail and the truth to come out," Fenech said to journalists.

His lawyer told the court there was proof of ties between Schembri and Theuma, including a photo of the pair "hugging" in the prime minister's office. Schembri's release was "scary" and suggested Arnaud was not impartial, the lawyer said.

The death of Caruana Galizia has raised grave concerns internationally over the rule of law on the tiny Mediterranean island.

"This is happening in the EU, right now. Where is the voice of the European Commission or other EU leaders?" Robert Barrington, former head of Transparency International in the UK, said on Twitter.

The European Parliament is planning to send a mission to Malta "as soon as possible", a parliament source told AFP.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists filed a complaint Friday alleging reporters had been locked in a room at the PM's office in an apparent bid to stop them speaking to cabinet members after the decision not to grant Fenech immunity. 
&nbsp;

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat came under increasing pressure to resign Friday as protesters cried foul over the latest twist in the case of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat came under increasing pressure to resign Friday as protesters cried foul over the latest twist in the case of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. An intensifying probe into the murder of Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb in October 2017, has destabilised his government. The Times of Malta said Muscat told associates Friday he plans to resign imminently, though AFP was not able to immediately confirm the report. This week saw two ministers and Muscat's chief of staff Keith Schembri step down from their posts. Arrested on Tuesday, Schembri was released on Thursday, sparking accusations of a cover-up. Early Friday, Muscat said the main suspect in Galizia's killing, tycoon Yorgen Fenech, would not be granted immunity to disclose what he knows about the case. He was later released on bail. "Every minute (Muscat) remains in office he increases the risk of justice not being done," opposition leader Adrian Delia said. 'Judge, jury, executioner' Muscat has been heavily criticised over the handling of the case, amid allegations he has obstructed justice by protecting high-profile politicians. Earlier this week he vowed to resign if links were found between himself and the murder. He insisted early Friday that he would remain in power, telling reporters he wanted "this case to be closed under my watch". His comments infuriated protesters. Fresh demonstrations were planned for later Friday. "We share Malta's shock and anger at the release of Keith Schembri," the Caruana Galizia family said in a statement. "At least two witnesses and multiple pieces of physical evidence implicate Schembri in the assassination of our wife and mother," they said. They accused Muscat of playing "judge, jury, and executioner in an assassination investigation that so far implicates three of his closest colleagues." 'Attempted blackmail' Muscat said he had recused himself from the decision over Fenech, since the suspect under police interrogation had identified Schembri as the mastermind behind Caruana Galizia's killing, according to sources. He later said in a statement that he had reported Fenech to the police for attempted blackmail, saying the mogul had threatened to implicate him in the affair if he was not given immunity. Fenech, a tycoon whose business interests span the energy and tourism sectors, was arrested on his yacht last week after an alleged middleman in the murder, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, was offered a pardon to identify those involved. That arrest was followed swiftly by the resignation of Schembri and tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, while economy minister Chris Cardona said he was "suspending himself". Caruana Galizia, who exposed cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite, had alleged that Schembri and then economy minister Mizzi had been involved in corruption. She had named Cardona in a separate case. Leaked emails revealed in court appeared to show both Schembri and Mizzi stood to receive payments from a Dubai company called 17 Black, owned by Fenech. The Caruana Galizia family expressed incredulity over Schembri's release, pointing to the fact the former chief of staff and Fenech have the same doctor, who reportedly served as an intermediary, passing secret notes between them. 'Fear for my life' A Maltese court heard a request by Fenech Friday for the chief investigator in the case, Keith Arnaud, to be removed, amid allegations he had close ties to Schembri and the prime minister. A decision was expected Monday. "I fear for my life. I'm ready to go all the way for justice to prevail and the truth to come out," Fenech said to journalists. His lawyer told the court there was proof of ties between Schembri and Theuma, including a photo of the pair "hugging" in the prime minister's office. Schembri's release was "scary" and suggested Arnaud was not impartial, the lawyer said. The death of Caruana Galizia has raised grave concerns internationally over the rule of law on the tiny Mediterranean island. "This is happening in the EU, right now. Where is the voice of the European Commission or other EU leaders?" Robert Barrington, former head of Transparency International in the UK, said on Twitter. The European Parliament is planning to send a mission to Malta "as soon as possible", a parliament source told AFP. The Institute of Maltese Journalists filed a complaint Friday alleging reporters had been locked in a room at the PM's office in an apparent bid to stop them speaking to cabinet members after the decision not to grant Fenech immunity.

Pressure ups on Maltese PM to resign over slain reporter case

Malta police arrested one of the country's most prominent businessmen on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into the murder of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/panama-papers-star-streep-says-rich-playing-black-joke-on-world-247048">Daphne Caruana Galizia</a>, two sources said.

Yorgen Fenech was detained after police intercepted his yacht as he tried to leave the Mediterranean island before dawn, sources with knowledge of the matter said.

His arrest came the day after the government said it would offer a pardon to a suspected middleman in the murder of Caruana Galizia if he provided legally binding evidence of who was behind the killing.

The sources did not say if Fenech had been charged.

Fenech's lawyer was contacted for comment but has so far issued no statement.

Judicial authorities have not yet confirmed Fenech's arrest. Under Maltese law, the police would have 48 hours to interrogate and charge a suspect or release them.

Caruana Galizia, an eminent anti-corruption journalist, was killed by a car bomb near the Maltese capital Valletta in October 2017 - a murder that shocked Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the small island.

Three men suspected of being the killers were arrested in December 2017, but the authorities have so far failed to determine who commissioned the murder.

In a potentially major step forward in the probe, a man arrested last week as part of a separate investigation asked to see police dealing with the Caruana Galizia case and offered to provide the name of the mastermind in return for a pardon.

Fenech is a director and co-owner of a business group that won a large energy concession in 2013 from the Maltese state to build a gas power station on the island.

His luxury yacht Gio left the Portomaso marina, five miles (8 km) north of Valletta, shortly after 5.00 a.m. (0400 GMT). However, the boat was under surveillance and police swiftly stopped it and forced it to return to port, the sources said.

In February 2017, eight months before she died, Caruana Galizia wrote in her blog about a mystery company in Dubai called 17 Black Limited, alleging it was connected to Maltese politicians.

She did not publish any evidence of this and was unable to discover who owned the company. A Reuters investigation https://tinyurl.com/y8coeu3x later identified Fenech as the owner.

According to a December 2015 email, uncovered by Maltese financial regulators, secret Panama companies owned by then Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's chief of staff, stood to receive payments of up to $2 million from 17 Black for unspecified services.

The email made no reference to the gas power station and there is no evidence any money was deposited with them.

Schembri and Mizzi both told Reuters last October they had no knowledge of any connection between 17 Black and Fenech, or of any plan to receive payments connected to Fenech or the energy project. Fenech denied making any plans to pay any politician or any person or entity connected to them.

Mizzi currently serves as minister for tourism.

The government did not make any immediate comment about Fenech's status.

Malta police arrested one of the country's most prominent businessmen on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, two sources said.

Malta police arrested one of the country's most prominent businessmen on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, two sources said. Yorgen Fenech was detained after police intercepted his yacht as he tried to leave the Mediterranean island before dawn, sources with knowledge of the matter said. His arrest came the day after the government said it would offer a pardon to a suspected middleman in the murder of Caruana Galizia if he provided legally binding evidence of who was behind the killing. The sources did not say if Fenech had been charged. Fenech's lawyer was contacted for comment but has so far issued no statement. Judicial authorities have not yet confirmed Fenech's arrest. Under Maltese law, the police would have 48 hours to interrogate and charge a suspect or release them. Caruana Galizia, an eminent anti-corruption journalist, was killed by a car bomb near the Maltese capital Valletta in October 2017 - a murder that shocked Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the small island. Three men suspected of being the killers were arrested in December 2017, but the authorities have so far failed to determine who commissioned the murder. In a potentially major step forward in the probe, a man arrested last week as part of a separate investigation asked to see police dealing with the Caruana Galizia case and offered to provide the name of the mastermind in return for a pardon. Fenech is a director and co-owner of a business group that won a large energy concession in 2013 from the Maltese state to build a gas power station on the island. His luxury yacht Gio left the Portomaso marina, five miles (8 km) north of Valletta, shortly after 5.00 a.m. (0400 GMT). However, the boat was under surveillance and police swiftly stopped it and forced it to return to port, the sources said. In February 2017, eight months before she died, Caruana Galizia wrote in her blog about a mystery company in Dubai called 17 Black Limited, alleging it was connected to Maltese politicians. She did not publish any evidence of this and was unable to discover who owned the company. A Reuters investigation https://tinyurl.com/y8coeu3x later identified Fenech as the owner. According to a December 2015 email, uncovered by Maltese financial regulators, secret Panama companies owned by then Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's chief of staff, stood to receive payments of up to $2 million from 17 Black for unspecified services. The email made no reference to the gas power station and there is no evidence any money was deposited with them. Schembri and Mizzi both told Reuters last October they had no knowledge of any connection between 17 Black and Fenech, or of any plan to receive payments connected to Fenech or the energy project. Fenech denied making any plans to pay any politician or any person or entity connected to them. Mizzi currently serves as minister for tourism. The government did not make any immediate comment about Fenech's status.

Malta police arrest businessman Fenech in journalist murder case: Sources

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday.

The indictment comes days before a deadline that requires suspects who have not been formally committed for trial within 20 months of arrest to be granted bail.

Vincent Muscat and brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio are accused of having planted and set off a bomb that exploded in Caruana Galizia's car near the Maltese capital Valletta on Oct. 16, 2017. All three suspects have pleaded not guilty during pre-trial proceedings known as the compilation of evidence, held before a magistrate.

It is not known when the trial will start.

The murder of Caruana Galizia, who penned an anti-corruption blog, appalled Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the Mediterranean island.

Muscat and the Degiorgios were arrested and charged in December 2017 and have been in detention ever since. The courts have turned down repeated requests for bail citing the continuing police investigation and public order.

Maltese police have said their investigations are continuing as the three are not thought to have been the masterminds behind the killing, the motive for which is unknown.

The three suspects have not said a word to the police, according to usually well-informed Maltese media.

Evidence presented in court by prosecutors over the last two years has suggested that Caruana Galizia, 53, was blown up by a bomb activated by a mobile phone.

Muscat was allegedly the spotter who watched the journalist drive out of her house in Bidnija, seven miles from Valletta, while one of the Degiorgio brothers is alleged to have set off the bomb by phone while on a yacht in Valletta harbour.

Officers from the US&nbsp;Federal Bureau of Investigations and Europol have helped Malta police investigate the case.

Caruana Galizia's family has repeatedly called on Malta's government to hold an independent public inquiry into the murder and into whether the government could have acted to prevent it.

The Council of Europe backed their call in a report last June and said an inquiry should be held within three months.

The government has said that a public inquiry could hinder the continuing police investigations, although the foreign minister has indicated that an inquiry might be held.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, a frequent target of Caruana Galizia's writings, has offered a million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday.

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday. The indictment comes days before a deadline that requires suspects who have not been formally committed for trial within 20 months of arrest to be granted bail. Vincent Muscat and brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio are accused of having planted and set off a bomb that exploded in Caruana Galizia's car near the Maltese capital Valletta on Oct. 16, 2017. All three suspects have pleaded not guilty during pre-trial proceedings known as the compilation of evidence, held before a magistrate. It is not known when the trial will start. The murder of Caruana Galizia, who penned an anti-corruption blog, appalled Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the Mediterranean island. Muscat and the Degiorgios were arrested and charged in December 2017 and have been in detention ever since. The courts have turned down repeated requests for bail citing the continuing police investigation and public order. Maltese police have said their investigations are continuing as the three are not thought to have been the masterminds behind the killing, the motive for which is unknown. The three suspects have not said a word to the police, according to usually well-informed Maltese media. Evidence presented in court by prosecutors over the last two years has suggested that Caruana Galizia, 53, was blown up by a bomb activated by a mobile phone. Muscat was allegedly the spotter who watched the journalist drive out of her house in Bidnija, seven miles from Valletta, while one of the Degiorgio brothers is alleged to have set off the bomb by phone while on a yacht in Valletta harbour. Officers from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations and Europol have helped Malta police investigate the case. Caruana Galizia's family has repeatedly called on Malta's government to hold an independent public inquiry into the murder and into whether the government could have acted to prevent it. The Council of Europe backed their call in a report last June and said an inquiry should be held within three months. The government has said that a public inquiry could hinder the continuing police investigations, although the foreign minister has indicated that an inquiry might be held. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, a frequent target of Caruana Galizia's writings, has offered a million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.

Malta sends three suspects for trial on charges of killing anti-corruption journalist

A car bomb on Monday killed the journalist who led the Panama Papers investigation here.

Daphne Caruana Galizia, 53, died on Monday afternoon when her car, a Peugeot 108, was destroyed by a powerful explosive device which blew the vehicle into several pieces and threw the debris into a nearby field, reports The Guardian.

The reporter had filed a complaint with police a fortnight ago after receiving personal threats to her safety, local media said.

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<h5>Galizia&#39;s most recent revelations pointed a finger at Malta&#39;s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and two of his closest aides, connecting offshore companies linked to the three men with the sale of Maltese passports and payments from the government of Azerbaijan</h5>
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She was known for her work as an investigative journalist and revealing controversial sensitive information, including reports and allegations related to the Panama Papers.

A blogger whose posts often attracted more readers than the combined circulation of the country&#39;s newspapers, Caruana Galizia was recently described by the Politico website as a &quot;one-woman WikiLeaks&quot;. Her blogs were a thorn in the side of both the establishment and underworld figures that hold sway in Europe&#39;s smallest member state.

Her most recent revelations pointed the finger at Malta&#39;s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, and two of his closest aides, connecting offshore companies linked to the three men with the sale of Maltese passports and payments from the government of Azerbaijan, reports The Guardian.

No group or individual has come forward to claim responsibility for the attack.

In a statement, Muscat condemned the &quot;barbaric attack&quot;, saying he had asked police to reach out to other countries&#39; security services for help identifying the perpetrators.

&quot;Everyone knows Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine,&quot; said Muscat at a hastily convened press conference, &quot;both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way&quot;.

In a tweet, Muscat said, &quot;This is a spiteful attack on a citizen and freedom of expression. I will not rest until justice is done. The country deserves justice.&quot;

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This is a spiteful attack on a citizen and freedom of expression. I will not rest until justice is done. The country deserves justice -JM
&mdash; Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephMuscat_JM/status/919939609940905984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Muscat announced later in parliament that FBI officers were on their way to Malta to assist with the investigation, following his request for outside help from the US government.

The Nationalist party leader, Adrian Delia - himself the subject of negative stories by Caruana Galizia - claimed the killing was linked to her reporting.

The Panama Papers are 11.5 million leaked documents that detail financial and attorney-client information for more than 214,488 offshore entities. The documents, some dating back to the 1970s, were created by, and taken from, Panamanian law firm and corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca, and were leaked in 2015 by an anonymous source.

The revelations by the Panama Papers have shaken politics of many countries.

In a case related with the Panama Papers, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to step down in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him.

Daphne Caruana Galizia, 53, had filed a complaint with police a fortnight ago after receiving personal threats to her safety

A car bomb on Monday killed the journalist who led the Panama Papers investigation here. Daphne Caruana Galizia, 53, died on Monday afternoon when her car, a Peugeot 108, was destroyed by a powerful explosive device which blew the vehicle into several pieces and threw the debris into a nearby field, reports The Guardian. The reporter had filed a complaint with police a fortnight ago after receiving personal threats to her safety, local media said. Galizia's most recent revelations pointed a finger at Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and two of his closest aides, connecting offshore companies linked to the three men with the sale of Maltese passports and payments from the government of Azerbaijan × She was known for her work as an investigative journalist and revealing controversial sensitive information, including reports and allegations related to the Panama Papers. A blogger whose posts often attracted more readers than the combined circulation of the country's newspapers, Caruana Galizia was recently described by the Politico website as a "one-woman WikiLeaks". Her blogs were a thorn in the side of both the establishment and underworld figures that hold sway in Europe's smallest member state. Her most recent revelations pointed the finger at Malta's Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, and two of his closest aides, connecting offshore companies linked to the three men with the sale of Maltese passports and payments from the government of Azerbaijan, reports The Guardian. No group or individual has come forward to claim responsibility for the attack. In a statement, Muscat condemned the "barbaric attack", saying he had asked police to reach out to other countries' security services for help identifying the perpetrators. "Everyone knows Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine," said Muscat at a hastily convened press conference, "both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way". In a tweet, Muscat said, "This is a spiteful attack on a citizen and freedom of expression. I will not rest until justice is done. The country deserves justice." This is a spiteful attack on a citizen and freedom of expression. I will not rest until justice is done. The country deserves justice -JM — Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) October 16, 2017 × Muscat announced later in parliament that FBI officers were on their way to Malta to assist with the investigation, following his request for outside help from the US government. The Nationalist party leader, Adrian Delia - himself the subject of negative stories by Caruana Galizia - claimed the killing was linked to her reporting. The Panama Papers are 11.5 million leaked documents that detail financial and attorney-client information for more than 214,488 offshore entities. The documents, some dating back to the 1970s, were created by, and taken from, Panamanian law firm and corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca, and were leaked in 2015 by an anonymous source. The revelations by the Panama Papers have shaken politics of many countries. In a case related with the Panama Papers, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to step down in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him.

Car bomb kills journalist who led Panama Papers investigation in Malta

The son of Malta&#39;s best-known investigative journalist said on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/car-bomb-kills-journalist-who-led-panama-papers-investigation-in-malta-22520" target="_blank">his mother was killed by a car bomb because of her work</a> exposing political corruption.

Daphne Caruana Galizia, who wrote about graft across Malta&#39;s political divides on her blog, was murdered on Monday soon after she left her home in the north of the island.

&quot;My mother was assassinated because she stood between the rule of law and those who sought to violate it, like many strong journalists,&quot; Matthew Caruana Galizia said on Facebook.

&quot;She was also targeted because she was the only person doing so,&quot; he added.

He described rushing to the scene after hearing the news, only to find the burning car and her remains.

The explosion, which blasted the car off the road into a field near the village of Bidnija, stunned the small Mediterranean island. Authorities said it was the first murder of a journalist there.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and opposition leader Adrian Delia - who had both been criticised on her blog - both condemned the killing. Around 3,000 people held a silent, candle-lit vigil on Monday night in Sliema, just outside the capital Valletta.

&quot;Today, this is undoubtedly a dark and sad, sad, sad, sad day for Malta,&quot; said family friend Luke Frendo.

&quot;I think Daphne was not only a journalist and an absolutely fearless human being but the fourth pillar of our democracy,&quot; Frendo told Reuters Television.

Maltese authorities were awaiting the arrival of Dutch forensic experts and American FBI agents on Tuesday to help the investigations.

A tent was erected over her burnt-out car and sheets placed over her remains.

&quot;Everyone knows Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine, both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way,&quot; said Prime Minister Muscat, who had been suing her over some of her allegations.

Opposition leader Adrian Delia called her killing an attack on democracy and freedom of expression and demanded an independent inquiry.

&quot;We will not accept an investigation by the Commissioner of Police, the Army commander or the duty magistrate, all of whom were criticised by Caruana Galizia,&quot; he said on Monday.

Half an hour before the explosion tore into her car, Galizia wrote on her blog: &quot;There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate.&quot;

Matthew Caruana Galizia said on Facebook that she (Daphne Caruana Galizia) was also targeted because she was the only person doing so

The son of Malta's best-known investigative journalist said on Tuesday his mother was killed by a car bomb because of her work exposing political corruption. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who wrote about graft across Malta's political divides on her blog, was murdered on Monday soon after she left her home in the north of the island. "My mother was assassinated because she stood between the rule of law and those who sought to violate it, like many strong journalists," Matthew Caruana Galizia said on Facebook. "She was also targeted because she was the only person doing so," he added. He described rushing to the scene after hearing the news, only to find the burning car and her remains. The explosion, which blasted the car off the road into a field near the village of Bidnija, stunned the small Mediterranean island. Authorities said it was the first murder of a journalist there. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and opposition leader Adrian Delia - who had both been criticised on her blog - both condemned the killing. Around 3,000 people held a silent, candle-lit vigil on Monday night in Sliema, just outside the capital Valletta. "Today, this is undoubtedly a dark and sad, sad, sad, sad day for Malta," said family friend Luke Frendo. "I think Daphne was not only a journalist and an absolutely fearless human being but the fourth pillar of our democracy," Frendo told Reuters Television. Maltese authorities were awaiting the arrival of Dutch forensic experts and American FBI agents on Tuesday to help the investigations. A tent was erected over her burnt-out car and sheets placed over her remains. "Everyone knows Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine, both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way," said Prime Minister Muscat, who had been suing her over some of her allegations. Opposition leader Adrian Delia called her killing an attack on democracy and freedom of expression and demanded an independent inquiry. "We will not accept an investigation by the Commissioner of Police, the Army commander or the duty magistrate, all of whom were criticised by Caruana Galizia," he said on Monday. Half an hour before the explosion tore into her car, Galizia wrote on her blog: "There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate."

She was murdered for exposing corruption, says son of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia