The family of a slain investigative journalist is asking Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to “immediately” step down following the release from jail of his former chief of staff, who the family believes was involved in the killing, The Associated Press reported.

Police found no reason to hold Keith Schembri for the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Muscat said Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Her family wrote on Twitter that “we share Malta’s shock and anger” over the release and “urge the prime minister to step aside and let an unconflicted deputy take over.”

“This travesty of justice is shaming our country, ripping our society apart, and it is degrading us,” said one of her sons, Paul Caruana Galizia. “It cannot continue any longer.”

Maltese media outlets, meanwhile, report that Muscat may offer his resignation imminently as thousands of Maltese citizens have protested nightly outside his residence.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in 2017 as she was driving.

She had reported on suspected political and business on the Mediterranean island nation.

Schembri had resigned from his position earlier in the week but has denied any involvement.

Three other men have been arrested, including businessman Yorgen Fenech, who was arrested last week trying to flee the country. No trial has been set.

Fenech had told police that Schembri was a co-conspirator in the bombing.