#RuleofLaw - MEPs express concern about impartiality of law enforcement in #Malta and #Slovakia

MEPs have expressed serious concerns over the fight against corruption and organised crime, impartiality of law enforcement and judicial independence in Malta and Slovakia. The Civil Liberties Committee adopted a draft resolution condemned  the “continuous efforts of a growing number of EU member states’ governments to weaken the rule of law, the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary”. They underline that the assassinations of journalist Ms Caruana Galizia in Malta and of Mr Kuciak and Ms Kušnírová in Slovakia, and the murder of journalist Viktoria Marinova in Bulgaria, had “a chilling effect on journalists” across the EU.

MEPs urged the Maltese government to set up a full and independent enquiry into the murder of Ms Caruana Galizia and demanded that all libel cases brought by members of the government against her and her family be withdrawn. The MEPs also denounced the fact that the Maltese Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff – Keith Schembri and Minister of Tourism – Konrad Mizzi’s association with Panama Paper revelations should be properly investigated. The MEPs are also calling for an end to Malta’s  investor citizenship and residence schemes.

MEPs were less critical of Slovakia acknowledging the progress made in the investigation into the murder of Mr Kuciak and Ms Kušnírová, but insisting that it should continue both at national and international level. They also demanded  in-depth investigations into all the alleged cases of corruption and fraud brought up during their inquiries in the country.

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