Maltese tycoon acquitted of killing journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

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Published: 2026-09-03T03:26:09.643Z • Permanent link

Malta's high court acquitted Joseph Muscat's close ally, Yorgen Fenech, of murder charges related to the 2017 killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The acquittal has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that justice has not been served. Fenech was accused of orchestrating the hit on Galizia, who was shot and killed while driving to a press conference. The case drew international attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the involvement of the country's former prime minister, Joseph Muscat.

Galizia was a prominent investigative journalist who had been working on a series of exposés about corruption and money laundering in Malta. Her reporting had been critical of Muscat's government, and she had received numerous death threats before her murder. The investigation into her killing was led by the Maltese police, with assistance from the European police agency Europol. The prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including testimony from several key witnesses, but the defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that Fenech was not the mastermind behind the hit.

Fenech's acquittal has raised concerns about the independence of Malta's judiciary and the ability of the country to hold its leaders accountable for corruption and crime. The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by investigative journalists in Malta, who often face intimidation and threats from powerful individuals and institutions. The acquittal has sparked widespread outrage among journalists and human rights groups, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in Malta's justice system.

The acquittal of Yorgen Fenech has significant implications for the research community, particularly those studying corruption and money laundering in Malta. The case highlights the challenges faced by researchers in gathering and analyzing data on these issues, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the financial sector. The acquittal also has implications for the markets, as investors may view Malta's justice system as less reliable and more prone to corruption.

The acquittal has also raised concerns about the impact on the tourism industry in Malta, which has been a significant contributor to the country's economy. The case has tarnished the reputation of Malta as a safe and secure destination, which could have negative consequences for the country's tourism sector. Furthermore, the acquittal may also have implications for the country's financial sector, as investors may be less likely to invest in Malta if they perceive the country's justice system as unreliable.

The acquittal of Yorgen Fenech is part of a larger pattern of corruption and cronyism in Malta, which has been a major concern for researchers and journalists in recent years. The country's former prime minister, Joseph Muscat, has been accused of using his position to shield his allies from accountability and to protect their interests. This has led to widespread criticism of Malta's justice system and its ability to hold its leaders accountable for corruption and crime.