Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech acquitted in journalist murder case
A Maltese court cleared businessman Yorgen Fenech of involvement in the 2017 car bomb killing of investigative reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia, while the victim's family called for broader reforms.
A Maltese jury found businessman Yorgen Fenech not guilty of complicity in the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, voting 8-1 to acquit him of both murder conspiracy and criminal association charges. Fenech, 44, had faced a potential life sentence had he been convicted. He left the courtroom without comment as a crowd outside shouted insults.
Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed when a car bomb exploded as she drove near her home. Her reporting had focused on alleged corruption in Malta's political and business circles, and she was involved in about 40 libel actions at the time of her death.
The journalist’s sons were present when the verdict was announced. The family said the acquittal highlighted “institutional failures” that remain unaddressed, urging reforms to protect journalists and prevent similar attacks.
Five individuals have been convicted in connection with the murder, three for carrying out the attack, and all remain incarcerated.