More than eight years after the
assassination
of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia sent shockwaves through Europe, all eyes are once again on the capital Valletta, where the alleged mastermind of her murder has been on trial since July 1.
Yorgen Fenech, a powerful businessman,
is standing trial
on a charge of complicity in murder and has pleaded not guilty. Caruana Galizia, who
reported
extensively on corruption, money laundering, organized crime, and political misconduct in Malta, was killed in a car bomb in October 2017.
The verdict – expected in August – could finally bring justice to Caruana Galizia’s family, but it should also refocus European leaders’ minds on the action that still needs to be taken on press freedom in Malta and Europe.
“Finally, we may find out the truth of what happened, secure justice and send a powerful message across Europe: you cannot silence journalism through violence,” said Tom Gibson, CPJ’s deputy advocacy director, EU. “Throughout the long quest for justice, European officials in Strasbourg and Brussels have worked hard to shine a light on concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in Malta. Their scrutiny and support has been invaluable for the family and Maltese journalists, but there is still so much more to be done.”
Before her murder, Caruana Galizia was subjected to an orchestrated campaign of harassment and vilification by the Maltese government, including legal intimidation, to silence her reporting.
In 2019, a suspected facilitator of her
murder
received a presidential pardon in exchange for naming those responsible. Since then, five people have been found guilty and jailed for orchestrating or carrying out the murder.
Atmosphere of impunity
Fenech’s trial could be the final chapter in the search for justice for Caruana Galizia but press freedom groups say the Maltese authorities must introduce long-overdue reforms to guarantee journalists’ safety.
After pressure from the Caruana Ga
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