A jury in Malta has begun considering its verdict in the long-running murder trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of playing a central role in the 2017 assassination of prominent anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The killing of Caruana Galizia, who died in a car bomb explosion at the age of 53, sparked widespread outrage across Europe and triggered years of political turmoil and scrutiny of Malta’s institutions.
Jury Begins Deliberations in High-Profile Malta Murder Trial
Nine jurors were sent to deliberate after Judge Edwina Grima completed her instructions following several days of summing up the evidence in the trial, which began on July 1.
Fenech, 44, has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the murder. He is accused of complicity in the killing and of involvement in a criminal association allegedly linked to the assassination.
Under Malta’s jury system, at least six of the nine jurors must support a verdict.
If convicted of complicity in murder, Fenech could face life imprisonment. A conviction on the lesser charge of criminal association to commit murder could carry a prison sentence of up to 18 years.
Members of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family were present in court as the closely watched trial entered its final stage.
Prosecution and Defence Present Conflicting Accounts
During the proceedings, alleged middleman Melvin Theuma, who later became a state witness, told the court that Fenech ordered and financed the assassination. Theuma also testified that money was provided in connection with the legal defence of those who carried out the bombing.
The prosecution’s case alleged that Caruana Galizia was targeted because she was preparing to publish information connected to Fenech.
However, Fenech has consistently denied ordering, financing or participating in the journalist’s murder.
His defence also raised questions about other figures connected to Malta’s political establishment, including Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Schembri was a frequent subject of Caruana Galizia’s reporting, but police have told the court that he was never considered a suspect in the murder. Schembri has denied any involvement.
Muscat himself was never accused of involvement in the killing but resigned as prime minister in January 2020 amid the political fallout that followed the assassination.
A Defining Case for Malta’s Justice System
Caruana Galizia’s death on October 16, 2017, became one of Europe’s most significant cases involving the killing of a journalist. Her investigative work frequently focused on allegations of corruption and powerful political and business figures in Malta.
The assassination brought international attention to the Mediterranean nation’s police, courts and political institutions.
With the jury now examining weeks of testimony, evidence and competing arguments from both sides, the case has reached a critical moment. The eventual verdict will determine whether Fenech is held criminally responsible for his alleged role in the murder of one of Malta’s best-known investigative journalists.
