Greece refuses to extradite slain Maltese reporter’s source

ATHENS, Greece – A Greek court has refused to extradite to Malta a whistleblower who helped a murdered Maltese journalist investigate money-laundering in high places.

Malta wants to arrest Russian former bank employee Maria Efimova for allegedly providing false evidence that could lead to another’s conviction, making false accusations to authorities, and theft.

Efimova, 35, had helped Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a targeted car bombing on Oct. 16. Three Maltese men have been ordered to stand trial for murder.

Prosecutor Evgenuia Kyvelou had earlier described the extradition requests for Efimova as vague and irregular.

The Athens court ordered Thursday that Efimova should be freed from prison custody where she was held pending the extradition hearing. She surrendered to Athens police last month, citing fears for her life.