Two high-ranking politicians in Malta's government have resigned, with a third "suspending himself," as a murder probe into the killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia two years ago accelerated.
The resignations of Keith Schembri, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, and tourism minister Konrad Mizzi mark the biggest political fallout to date since Ms Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb in 2017.
Sources told AFP that Mr Schembri had been called in for questioning by police after his name was mentioned by the main suspect in the case, business mogul Yorgen Fenech.
Mr Fenech, who was arrested on his yacht last week, has requested immunity to reveal what he knows about the case. He has been released on bail, according to police sources.
Mr Muscat refused to say what prompted Mr Schembri's decision, telling reporters it was premature to speculate on "whether he is being questioned or what he is being questioned about".
Hours later, Mr Mizzi told journalists it was his "duty" to step down "so that the government of Joseph Muscat would be able to complete its full term."
In another blow to the government, Economy Minister Chris Cardona's ministry said in a statement that he was "suspending himself with immediate effect from his position as minister pending the investigations and proceedings going on right now".
No further details were provided.
Ms Caruana Galizia, a popular journalist and blogger described as a "one-woman WikiLeaks", became known for exposing cronyism and sleaze within the country's political and business elite.
She alleged that Mr Schembri and Mr Mizzi had been involved in corruption, claims both men have denied.
Separately, she had also reported that Mr Cardona had visited a German brothel while on official government business, according to Maltese media.
Ms Caruana Galizia's murder sparked outrage and protests in the Mediterranean island, with her family accusing Mr Muscat of protecting those involved in her death.
They have called for Mr Muscat's resignation and the prosecution of both Mr Schembri and Mr Mizzi.
Failure to bring them to justice "will have fatal consequences for Malta's democracy," the family said in a statement.
Ms Caruana Galizia's son Matthew tweeted that Mr Muscat "simply cannot be trusted to not obstruct justice".
The prime minister, however, rejected this, saying: "I never turned a blind eye to impropriety".
"What is happening with the recent developments shows that whatever people might say or think, the institutions are working," he added.
"I would definitely resign if there were any association between myself and the murder."
