Silence descended upon all those present as the three sons of Daphne Caruana Galizia appeared in court this morning alongside their father, to replace the late journalist in the libel cases instituted against her by Minister Chris Cardona and his personal adviser Joseph Gerada.

When the cases were called out, Magistrate Francesco Depasquale expressed his deepest condolences to the grieving family members.

Lawyer Pawlu Lia, assisting Minister Cardona who today was not present in court, also extended his condolences to the Caruana Galizia family on behalf of all those present at the sitting.

Matthew, one of the late journalist’s sons, indicated his wish to make a statement, declaring in open court that Minister Chris Cardona and his legal advisors had an interest to stop the case from moving forward

Dr Lia informed the court he had not yet consulted with his client, deeming it rather premature to discuss such issues so soon after the tragic death of the journalist.

Dr Caruana Galizia, appearing in his personal capacity, informed the court that the remains of his wife had not yet been released by investigators and that the process appeared to be still far behind.

The court informed both parties that it would adjourn the cases to December so as to allow time for things to settle after having been formally informed that the respondent, Ms Caruana Galizia, had died in tragic circumstances on October 16.

It was then that Matthew, one of the late journalist’s sons, indicated his wish to make a statement, declaring in open court that Minister Chris Cardona and his legal advisors had an interest to stop the case from moving forward.

"I want to make it clear that we want the case to continue," he said. “Chris Cardona has an interest in stopping the case to go forward.”

Dr Lia was prompt to point out that there was no such intention on their part, but that he fully understood that Mr Caruana Galizia's comment was the result of strong emotions experienced at present.

However, the young man was quick to rebut: “No, I am not emotional.”

The magistrate intervened, pointing out that he fully understood the young journalist's comments and appreciated the hurt he was going through.

The court said it understood the family's pain, but that “today the ball is the other side's court.”

“Not necessarily,” remarked Dr Lia, adding that “if it were, we would have kicked it out.”

The minister had sued Ms Caruana Galizia after she claimed he had visited a brothel in Germany.

Putting off the case to December, the court told the grieving family members that they were not expected to turn up for the next hearing and could entrust the handling of the proceedings to their lawyer who would guide them accordingly.

Lawyer Joseph Zammit Maempel and Dr Antonio Ghio also appeared for Caruana Galizia family.