A jury in Malta acquitted Yorgen Fenech, a businessman accused of orchestrating the 2017 car bomb murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The decision reignited calls for accountability in Malta.
Shocking Impact and Background
Daphne Caruana Galizia’s death shocked Europe, sparking protests that eventually led to the resignation of Malta’s prime minister. Caruana Galizia was known for her investigative work, exposing corruption in political and business circles. At the time of her murder, she faced over 40 libel suits.
The Verdict and Its Implications
Fenech, a prominent businessman, was accused of complicity and criminal conspiracy related to the murder. The jury, in a vote of 8-1, found him not guilty on both counts. The Nationalist Party in Malta organized a protest demanding justice after the verdict.
Caruana Galizia’s Influence
Caruana Galizia’s reports targeted high-profile figures, including those linked to former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. The revelations were connected to the Panama Papers leak, highlighting offshore company activities. An inquiry in 2021 blamed a culture of impunity at government levels for creating conditions leading to her death.
“Nine years after Daphne’s brutal assassination, the institutional failures that enabled her murder remain unaddressed and unreformed,” read a statement from her family.
Fenech’s Arrest and Subsequent Events
Fenech was arrested in 2019 while attempting to leave Malta. His arrest led to mass protests and Muscat’s resignation. Following his acquittal, Fenech left the courtroom under heavy scrutiny from protesters.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Several others were involved in the murder plot. George and Alfred Degiorgio were sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2022 after pleading guilty. Additional convictions involved Jamie Vella and Robert Agius, who received life sentences in 2025 for supplying the bomb.
Vincent Muscat also pleaded guilty and received a 15-year sentence in 2021. A taxi driver, Melvin Theuma, who acted as a middleman, was granted a presidential pardon for his cooperation in the investigation.
Implications for Journalism and Justice Reform
The murder prompted calls for judicial reforms and better protections for journalists in Malta. Tim Gibson, from the Committee to Protect Journalists, expressed disappointment with the verdict and committed to pursuing justice for Caruana Galizia’s family.