Valletta: 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, an event that led to unprecedented protests and ultimately brought down a government.
According to France24.com, the decision to acquit Fenech has been met with significant backlash, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice and media freedom in Malta. Caruana Galizia’s family, along with various international media freedom organizations, expressed their dismay at the verdict, highlighting the need for accountability in high-profile cases involving journalists. The assassination of Caruana Galizia, known for exposing corruption, shook the nation and drew global attention to Malta’s legal proceedings.
The case against Fenech was closely followed, with many seeing it as a test o
f Malta’s judicial independence. Critics argue that the acquittal raises concerns about the influence of powerful figures in the country’s legal system. The trial had been a focal point for those advocating for stronger protections for journalists and a more transparent judicial process. As the news of the acquittal spreads, calls for an appeal and further investigation into the murder continue to grow, underscoring the unresolved tensions surrounding the case.