A file picture taken on April 4 2016 of Daphne Caruana Galzia, who exposed her nation's links with the so-called Panama Papers
The sons of murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia carry the coffin of their mother out of the church in Mosta
The European Union has warned Malta that the 'eyes of Europe' are watching as an investigation is underway into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The funeral of the anti-corruption campaigner was held in Mosta, close to where she had been blown up in a car on October 16.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna also issued a stark warning to those responsible for the blogger's death.
At the private ceremony held for the blogger, Archbishop Sciculna told relatives: 'We still do not know who killed Daphne.
'Whoever took part, I tell you this: however hard you try to evade the justice of men, you will never escape the justice of God.'
Hundreds gathered outside the Rotunda Parish Church in Mosta, Malta, for the funeral of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
Caruana Galizia was known for her extensive investigations and allegations into corruption against the Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's inner circle, and had recently begun looking into the opposition as well.
European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans, a leading official within the EU, said those responsible for her death must be brought to justice for their crimes as flags on EU buildings flew at half-mast as a mark of respect to the journalist.
Timmermans said: 'We insist that the Maltese authorities leave no stone unturned to make sure that this atrocious, barbarous assassination does not lead to the situation that the perpetrators apparently want to achieve: that no-one dares ask pertinent questions and no journalist dares investigate the powers that be.
'This will not happen in Europe. Not on this Commission's watch.'
The 56-year-old Dutchman was responding to an open letter from eight major news organisations, including the BBC, The New York Times, the Financial Times and France's Le Monde, demanding that the European Commission launch its own 'independent enquiry' into the death of Caruana Galizia.
Timmermans added: 'The eyes of Europe are on the Maltese authorities. Answers need to be provided and crimes prosecuted. We want those directly and indirectly responsible for this horrible murder to be brought to justice.'
It is unusual for the EU to comment on a criminal probe in a member state.
European Parliament chief Antonio Tajani has already demanded an international investigation into the murder.
Caruana Galizia's family has accused Muscat of creating a culture of impunity which had transformed Malta into a 'mafia island' following her death
Caruana Galizia's death has prompted soul-searching on Malta over whether the island's economic boom has brought with it a wave of corruption and organised crime.
Her family has accused the Maltese Prime Minister of creating a culture of impunity which had transformed Malta into a 'mafia island' following her death.
Her family had asked for Muscat, Malta's president and international media not to attend the event.
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