Yorgen Fenech, a prominent Maltese businessman, was acquitted on September 6, 2026, of conspiracy and complicity in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The jury's decision has left many in Malta outraged, reigniting public discourse on the unsolved murder.
Public Reaction and Family's Disappointment
This is a terrible decision by the jurors that our country may never recover from.
Matthew Caruana Galizia, Son of Daphne Caruana Galizia
As Fenech exited the courthouse in Valletta, he faced a hostile crowd shouting insults. Matthew Caruana Galizia expressed deep disappointment, calling the verdict "obscene" and stating it contradicted all evidence.
The case remains unresolved nearly nine years after Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb on October 16, 2017. While the men who executed the attack have been convicted, the orchestrator behind the murder remains unidentified.
Trial Background and Key Testimonies
Fenech's arrest in November 2019 marked a pivotal moment in the investigation. His luxury yacht was intercepted by Maltese authorities, leading to public protests against alleged government complicity.
The prosecution's case largely relied on Melvin Theuma, a middleman who claimed Fenech hired him for the murder. However, Fenech's defense cast doubt on Theuma's credibility, citing inconsistencies in his testimony.
Continuing Calls for Accountability
Despite the acquittal, discussions about accountability continue. Many believe that the institutional failures must be addressed to prevent future violence against journalists. The Caruana Galizia family and advocacy groups are pushing for a thorough investigation into the political connections surrounding the case.
- Protests erupted following Fenech's arrest in 2019, accusing government officials of covering up the truth.
- The European Commission noted that Malta needs to improve protections for journalists and address the gaps in the justice system.
Malta has undertaken some reforms since the murder but critics argue that these efforts are insufficient. The slow pace of the judicial system has further complicated the pursuit of justice.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Following the acquittal, Judge Edwina Grima ordered that all evidence from the trial be forwarded to the Maltese police for further investigation. Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat indicated that inquiries are ongoing.
The Institute of Maltese Journalists has called for a thorough investigation into all leads, especially those implicating high-ranking officials. The ongoing public outcry suggests that the quest for justice in Caruana Galizia's murder is far from over.