Businessman acquitted in murder of Malta journalist that brought down government
A Maltese court on Wednesday acquitted tycoon Yorgen Fenech of orchestrating the car-bomb killing of investigative reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia, sparking outrage from her family and media freedom advocates. The wealthy businessman had stood accused of masterminding the 2017 assassination of 53-year-old Caruana Galizia, which sparked unprecedented…
- Why it matters
- Caruana Galizia's reporting on corruption triggered the resignation of Malta's prime minister. Her assassination remains one of Europe's most high-profile killings of a journalist; the acquittal closes the case against the man accused of ordering it without conviction.
- Most affected
- Daphne Caruana Galizia's family — Sought accountability for her killing; acquittal ends prosecution of the accused mastermind.
Media freedom advocates — Concerned about impunity for crimes against journalists; case remains unsolved at its highest level. - Likely next
- Whether any of the other suspects charged in connection with the killing face trial or conviction, and whether her family pursues further legal action.
Also reported by: The Guardian, The Journal, Euronews, NPR, CBS News, Deutsche Welle, France 24, ABC News, Sky News