Verdict in Malta Journalist Murder Trial: Yorgen Fenech Found Not Guilty
Business tycoon Yorgen Fenech, on trial in Malta over the 2017 death of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has been found not guilty by a jury.
Yorgen Fenech, one of Malta's wealthiest businessmen, has been acquitted by a jury in the trial where he was accused of involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who lost her life in a car bombing in 2017.
Jury Verdict and Release
The jury, consisting of six women and three men, found 44-year-old Yorgen Fenech not guilty by an eight-to-one vote on both charges of complicity in voluntary murder and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Following the verdict, Judge Edwina Grima ordered Fenech's immediate release, and the businessman, who had been facing a life sentence, left the court.
Background of the Trial and Charges
Anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia lost her life as a result of a car bomb attack carried out in October 2017.
The prosecution alleged that Fenech, an influential businessman and real estate developer, had paid 150,000 euros through an intermediary with the intention of having the journalist killed.
Reactions from Family and Campaigners
The verdict caused shock and outrage among the victim's family and activists advocating for press freedom, while the prosecution is expected to appeal the decision.
The journalist's sister, Corinne Vella, stated after the verdict that this situation could create a perception of impunity regarding the killing of journalists.