The murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 sent shockwaves across Malta and beyond. Now, allegations have emerged from within the country's highest echelons that two prominent politicians were involved in orchestrating her assassination. According to brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, who confessed to planting the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia, former economy minister Chris Cardona and his associates played a key role in the plot.
Testifying in court as part of Yorgen Fenech's trial for ordering Caruana Galizia's killing, Alfred Degiorgio initially stated, "Before I testify, I want to say that Chris Cardona, David Gatt and Keith Schembri are involved in the murder." However, he declined to provide further details, citing his challenge against his sentence in the European Court of Human Rights.
George Degiorgio later elaborated on the allegations, claiming that former economy minister Chris Cardona had initially ordered the murder plot as early as 2015. The Degiorgios alleged that Cardona met George at a bar and instructed him to "kill Daphne", stating she was a threat to their party. According to George Degiorgio, Cardona implicated himself, Keith Schembri, and the police commissioner in the plot.
George Degiorgio claimed that the alleged 2015 plot involved a payment of €150,000, with an initial €50,000 reportedly handed over by Cardona. The plan was temporarily halted but later resumed with assurances that police patrols would cease. However, this earlier plot was eventually called off at the request of lawyer David Gatt due to an impending election.
As the UK's relationship with Malta is built on strong economic ties and security co-operation, these explosive allegations have significant implications for British citizens living in or visiting Malta. The alleged involvement of high-ranking politicians raises questions about the rule of law and corruption within the Maltese government. This case serves as a stark reminder that press freedom remains under threat worldwide.