Yorgen Fenech acquitted in Caruana Galizia murder

Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman, was acquitted of conspiracy and complicity in the 2017 car-bomb murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after a lengthy trial, while five other men were convicted as the hitmen. The case highlighted Malta’s struggle with political corruption and judiciaire transparency, as prosecutors argued that Fenech financed and ordered the attack, using intermediary Melvin Theuma who was pardoned in 2019 in exchange for cooperation. Fenech testified during the trial, naming Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, as the real mastermind, though Schembri has denied involvement and was not charged. The jury’s decision came after significant evidence, including wiretaps and financial records, with Theuma’s testimony central to the state’s narrative and the acquittal challenging that narrative. The verdict has sparked international attention and raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the accountability of powerful figures in Malta’s political landscape. The case’s fallout continues to shape ongoing discussions about justice, governance, and the persistence of corruption in the country.