Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech has been acquitted of both charges relating to the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, a case widely seen as a landmark test for press freedom in Europe. Prosecutors are expected to appeal.
Key facts
- Yorgen Fenech was found not guilty on both charges over the 2017 killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- Fenech is described as one of Malta's richest men and had been accused of being the mastermind of the car bomb attack.
- The prosecution is expected to appeal the verdict, according to the Guardian.
- Caruana Galizia was an anti-corruption journalist whose killing prompted global outrage.
- The case has been regarded as a landmark action in protecting press freedom in Europe.
One of Malta’s richest men, Yorgen Fenech, has been found not guilty of involvement in the 2017 murder of the anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, according to the Guardian. Fenech was cleared on both charges he faced over the killing.
Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb attack in 2017, an event that prompted global outrage and drew international attention to press freedom in Europe. Fenech had been accused of being the mastermind of the attack, according to Sky News.
The verdict is expected to be appealed against by the prosecution, the Guardian reported. As it stands, the acquittal represents a significant development in a case that has been closely watched by politicians and campaigners across the continent.
The outcome comes as a blow not only to the victim’s family, but also to the politicians and campaigners who regard the case as a landmark action in the fight to protect press freedom in Europe, according to the Guardian.
Fenech, described as one of Malta’s richest men, had been at the centre of proceedings surrounding the high-profile killing. The acquittal on both charges marks a turning point in the long-running legal process, with the prosecution now expected to challenge the decision.
Why it matters
The killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia became a symbol of the dangers facing journalists in Europe and a rallying point for press freedom campaigners. The acquittal of a man accused of masterminding the attack raises pressing questions about accountability, and the expected appeal means the case is far from resolved.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Yorgen Fenech?
Yorgen Fenech is described as one of Malta's richest men. He had been accused of being the mastermind of the 2017 car bomb killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and has now been found not guilty on both charges he faced.
Will the verdict be appealed?
Yes. According to the Guardian, the not-guilty verdict is expected to be appealed against by the prosecution.
Why is this case significant for press freedom?
Daphne Caruana Galizia was an anti-corruption journalist whose 2017 killing prompted global outrage. The case has been regarded by politicians and campaigners as a landmark action in the fight to protect press freedom in Europe.