Businessman Tried in Malta Acquitted in Journalist Murder Trial
Yorgen Fenech has been acquitted by a jury of charges related to the 2017 killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia and released.
Businessman Yorgen Fenech, on trial in Malta, has been acquitted by a jury of charges that he masterminded the 2017 car bomb killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Jury Verdict and Charges
The jury in Malta found Yorgen Fenech, one of the country's prominent business figures, not guilty of charges of complicity and criminal conspiracy in the killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The businessman, who had denied the charges, was acquitted on both counts.
Murder of the Journalist and Its Impact
Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia lost her life on October 16, 2017, when a bomb planted in her car near her home was detonated. This event caused widespread shock across Europe and triggered protests that led to the resignation of the prime minister at the time.
Arrest of the Businessman
Yorgen Fenech was captured in 2019 as he attempted to leave Malta on his yacht and was formally charged and subjected to legal proceedings in 2021 on allegations of being the mastermind behind the murder. The prosecution had argued that Fenech had ordered and paid for the murder.
Reactions from the Family
The children of the slain journalist have been at the center of calls for justice and accountability. In a written statement issued by the family following the verdict, it was stated that this decision meant Daphne Caruana Galizia was deprived of the justice she deserved.
Status of Other Defendants
Other defendants tried in connection with the murder in previous years had been sentenced to life and prison terms. Brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio confessed to their crimes in 2022 and were sentenced to 40 years in prison, while other defendants received varying prison sentences.