Maltese Businessman Acquitted in Journalist’s Car Bomb Case

A jury in Malta has acquitted businessman Yorgen Fenech. He was accused of masterminding the 2017 car bomb killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Her death sparked protests that led to the resignation of a prime minister and exposed systemic issues in Malta.

Background on the Case

Daphne Caruana Galizia, a crusading investigative journalist, was killed on October 16, 2017. She died in a car bomb explosion while driving near her home. Caruana Galizia was known for her reports on corruption involving political and business figures in Malta. Her work targeted those in then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s circle and others implicated in the Panama Papers leak.

Yorgen Fenech, indicted in 2021, faced charges of complicity and criminal conspiracy over the murder. Prosecutors alleged he ordered and financed the killing. However, a jury found him not guilty on both counts in an 8-1 vote. Fenech was met with jeers as he left the courtroom, and the Nationalist Party organized a protest demanding justice.

Implications of the Verdict

The acquittal of Fenech brings renewed calls for accountability in Malta. The opposition expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that justice is still incomplete. They organized a silent march, stressing their respect for the verdict and the need for accountability regarding who ordered the assassination.

The government stated it has been supportive of the investigation and is committed to justice. It acknowledged that several people have already been sentenced in connection to the case.

Other Convictions

Several individuals have already been found guilty and sentenced for their roles in the plot. George and Alfred Degiorgio pleaded guilty in 2022 and received 40-year prison sentences. In 2025, Jamie Vella and Robert Agius received life sentences for their involvement. Vincent Muscat, sentenced to 15 years in prison, pleaded guilty in 2021. A middleman, Melvin Theuma, was granted a presidential pardon in exchange for his testimony.

Reactions

Caruana Galizia’s family expressed their disappointment with the verdict, stating it denied her the justice she deserves. They highlighted ongoing institutional failures and called for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Journalists and advocacy groups continue to seek justice and emphasize the need for accountability. Tim Gibson from the Committee to Protect Journalists labeled the verdict heartbreaking for Galizia’s family and pledged ongoing support in their fight for justice.