On the Second Anniversary of the Assassination of Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
As delivered by Political Counselor Gregory Macris
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 17, 2019
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Two years ago, Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered in a heinous car bomb attack. The attack on Daphne stands apart because she was an influential journalist and blogger of international renown who took risks to promote greater transparency and speak uncomfortable truths to those in power.
On the second anniversary of her murder, the United States welcomes the long-awaited decision to hold a public inquiry. The United States continues to call for a thorough, transparent, and timely conclusion into the investigation into Daphne’s death. Accountability, strong judicial processes, transparency, and thorough and fair investigations are the best ways to support freedom of expression and rule of law and deter future would-be criminals. Despite the passage of two years, it is not too late for Malta to bring Daphne’s killers to justice in a credible manner.
OSCE participating States have established clear principles and commitments in the field of freedom of expression and media freedom. We call on all participating States to fully implement the 2018 Milan Ministerial Decision on the Safety of Journalists.
Thank you, Mr. Chair
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