Brasília: Outrage has erupted in Malta following the acquittal of a wealthy businessman accused of orchestrating the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. In Brazil, a Supreme Court justice who played a key role in sending former President Jair Bolsonaro to prison is now embroiled in a corruption scandal. Meanwhile, conservationists are celebrating a significant increase in the population of the endangered kakapo, a flightless nocturnal parrot native to New Zealand.
According to France24.com, Yorgen Fenech, one of Malta’s wealthiest individuals, was found not guilty of masterminding the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Known for her investigative work on the Panama Papers and reports on government corruption, Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing in 2017. The verdict has been perceived as a setback for press freedom advocates in Europe and has sparked anger among Caruana Galizia’s family and supporters. The trial was seen as a crucial moment in the fight against crimes targeting j
ournalists.
In Malta, Caruana Galizia’s murder led to significant political upheaval, including the resignation of then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. While the Malta Independent reported neutrally on the verdict, the Times of Malta captured reactions from activist groups and political parties. Civil society group Republikka stressed that the trial forces Malta to face political corruption issues, while the Green Party criticized the verdict as a reflection of Malta’s failure to protect journalists, stating, “Daphne has been murdered a second time.”
In Brazil, media reports are focusing on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who was instrumental in convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro of a coup attempt, sentencing him to 27 years in prison. He is now under investigation for alleged corruption linked to banker Daniel Vorcaro. Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, was involved in a significant bank fraud case. O Globo outlined details of the alleged corruption, including luxury gifts and messages excha
nged between Vorcaro and de Moraes. As the scandal unfolds, President Lula is reportedly distancing himself from de Moraes, as Brazil approaches its general elections.
On a positive note, conservationists in New Zealand are celebrating a successful breeding season for the kakapo, with 90 chicks recently born. The kakapo population has now reached 324, a number not seen in 75 years. This milestone is attributed to conservation efforts and an abundant supply of rimu fruit, crucial for the birds’ reproduction. The kakapo were once prevalent across New Zealand but faced near extinction due to various threats. The recent population increase is a hopeful sign for the future of the species.