A Maltese businessman accused of ordering the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has been found not guilty. Yorgen Fenech, 44, was acquitted by a jury in Valletta on Wednesday evening, concluding what has been described as the longest-running murder trial in Maltese history.
Ms Caruana Galizia died in a car bombing in October 2017. Three hitmen were arrested weeks later; two pleaded guilty to murder and were sentenced to life in prison, while the third received a reduced 15-year sentence for providing evidence.
The attorney general is considering whether to appeal for a retrial, although the chances of success may be slim as both charges against Mr Fenech were dismissed by an 8-1 majority. Ms Caruana Galizia's family described the verdict as "justice denied".
During the trial, witnesses spoke of attempts to block and sabotage the murder investigation, with sensitive details reportedly leaked from the prime minister's right-hand man. Opposition leader Alex Borg has called for parliament to be recalled and for the government to strengthen press protection and anti-corruption measures.