A Maltese jury on Wednesday acquitted Yorgen Fenech, a businessman accused of masterminding the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Caruana Galizia’s killing sent shockwaves across Europe, sparking protests and revealing a culture of impunity in Malta.
Fenech, charged in 2021 with complicity and criminal conspiracy in the murder plot, pleaded not guilty. The jury, in an 8-1 vote, found Fenech not guilty on both counts. He faced jeers outside the courtroom, prompting the opposition Nationalist Party to organize a demonstration demanding justice.
Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb on Oct. 16, 2017. Known for her anti-corruption investigations, she had reported on suspected corruption involving Malta’s political and business elites, including those in then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s circle. Her work led to various libel suits and reportedly made her a target.
An independent inquiry in 2021 concluded Malta’s government bore responsibility for creating a favorable climate for her murder, although it found no direct involvement. Caruana Galizia’s family criticized Muscat’s administration for its handling of the investigation.
“They were using every possible means to shut her down,” said her son Paul.
Fenech’s arrest in 2019 led to mass protests, culminating in Muscat’s resignation. He was part of a consortium that won a contentious contract to build a power station.
After the acquittal, Fenech exited the courtroom amidst chaos. His lawyer, Gianella De Marco, expressed relief, stating the jury did not trust the key prosecution witness who received a presidential pardon for testimony.
Caruana Galizia’s family, speaking through a statement, declared the verdict denied her deserved justice and called for reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
“Our country failed to protect Daphne,” their statement read.
The Nationalist Party organized a silent march, demanding accountability for those responsible for the assassination.
Several others were implicated in the murder, with George and Alfred Degiorgio pleading guilty and receiving 40-year sentences. Jamie Vella and Robert Agius were sentenced in 2025 to life in prison, while Vincent Muscat was sentenced to 15 years in 2021 after admitting his role.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, through deputy advocacy director Tim Gibson, pledged ongoing support for the Caruana Galizia family.
“We will continue to stand by them,” Gibson stated.
The incident has led to calls for reforms in Malta’s judicial system and enhanced protections for journalists.