Yorgen Fenech, a prominent Maltese businessman, has gone on trial in Malta, facing charges of complicity in the voluntary homicide of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and association with individuals intending to commit a crime. The trial, which commenced on Wednesday, marks a significant development in a case that has drawn international attention and scrutiny of Malta's rule of law. Fenech, who denies all charges, is the last of seven men accused of involvement in the 2017 car-bomb attack that killed Caruana Galizia.
Daphne Caruana Galizia, aged 53 at the time of her death, was a highly influential and recognised media figure in Malta. As a magazine publisher, newspaper columnist, and blogger, her investigative reporting frequently exposed allegations of corruption involving leading government and business figures. Her work had made her a target of repeated criticism and attacks from politicians and their supporters. Her murder in October 2017, shortly after a general election dominated by her revelations, sent shockwaves across the European Union.
The prosecution is seeking a life sentence for the murder charge and a sentence of between 20 and 30 years for the criminal association charge against Fenech. A jury was sworn in on Wednesday morning at the courts of justice in Valletta, the capital of Malta. Of the other six men previously prosecuted in connection with the murder, five have been convicted, while one secured a presidential pardon in exchange for providing testimony.
A subsequent public inquiry, initiated at the request of Caruana Galizia's family, concluded that the Maltese state had contributed to her murder by allowing an “atmosphere of impunity” to permeate from the highest levels of government down to regulatory bodies and the police. This, the inquiry found, led to a breakdown in the rule of law and created a “favourable climate” for her assassination. The inquiry's findings underscored serious concerns about governance and justice within the EU member state.
The investigation into Caruana Galizia's death initially appeared to stall after three men accused of planting the bomb were arrested. However, reporting by Reuters and the Times of Malta brought to light that a taxi driver, Melvin Theuma, who claimed to be the middleman in the plot, had offered to testify. Theuma, who is expected to give evidence at Fenech's trial, alleges that Fenech ordered and financed the killing. Theuma was arrested in November 2019, reportedly with USB drives containing what he claims are covertly recorded conversations with Fenech, which the prosecution is relying on. Fenech's legal team has requested the original recordings and contends that Theuma's testimony contains “half truths” and “blatant lies.”
Fenech's arrest occurred in November 2019 when Maltese military intercepted his yacht, the Gio, as it attempted to leave Portomaso marina, a luxury development owned by his family company, Tumas Group. The case has been a pivotal moment for Malta, prompting calls for extensive reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and combat corruption.