Tožilstvo: malteški poslovnež plačal 150.000 evrov za umor novinarke

In the heart of Malta, the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech has finally begun after nearly eight years since the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. This marks a significant moment in Maltese legal history, as Fenech stands accused of orchestrating the assassination of one of the country's most prominent public figures. Caruana Galizia, known for her fearless reporting on corruption within both political and business circles, was killed in October 2017 when a bomb exploded under her car near her home in Bidnija. Her death triggered widespread outrage across Europe and led to a political crisis in Malta, ultimately resulting in the resignation of then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in January 2020.

The trial commenced on Wednesday morning at the court in Valletta, where Fenech appeared in a blue naval suit and sunglasses, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. According to the indictment presented by the prosecution, Fenech allegedly planned the murder of Caruana Galizia because she was about to publish an article that would damage the reputation of his uncle. The evidence suggests that Fenech approached a taxi driver named Melvin Theumo, who was also a property developer, and asked him to find someone to carry out the attack. He reportedly provided Theumo with the name of potential assassin George Degiorgio, who operated from a warehouse near the Marsa harbor opposite Valletta’s port.

According to the indictment, Theumo contacted Degiorgio and his brother Alfred, and they agreed to carry out the attack for a fee of €150,000. The prosecution claims that this amount was paid to them by Fenech, although he denies any involvement in the planning or execution of the crime. The trial will focus heavily on whether Fenech had direct knowledge of the plot and whether he played a role in its execution.

Caruana Galizia's murder was not just a personal tragedy but a catalyst for broader discussions about transparency and accountability in Maltese society. As a journalist, she had exposed numerous scandals involving high-profile individuals, including links between business elites and government officials. Her work highlighted the deep-rooted corruption that plagued the island nation, and her death sparked protests and calls for reform. The case has drawn international attention, with many questioning the adequacy of Malta's judicial system in handling such high-profile cases.

The trial comes after several other individuals have been convicted in connection with the murder. In June 2025, Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment for supplying the bomb used in the attack. Three others—George and Alfred Degiorgio, along with Vince Muscat—are currently serving their sentences for carrying out the killing. Fenech is the last of seven men charged in relation to the murder, with five already having been convicted and one receiving a pardon in exchange for testimony.

As the trial progresses, the court will need to determine whether Fenech's actions constitute complicity in the murder or if he can prove his innocence. The jury selection process faced delays due to concerns over media interest and potential influence on public opinion. Potential jurors had to wait outside the courthouse while temperatures reached 33 degrees Celsius, highlighting the challenging conditions under which the trial must proceed.

The Maltese legal system requires the jury to remain isolated during the trial, living in a hotel without access to electronic devices. This measure aims to prevent external influences on the jury's decision-making process. The trial is expected to take several weeks, with the prosecution presenting detailed evidence against Fenech, including testimonies from witnesses and forensic findings related to the bombing.

The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for Malta's political landscape and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. If Fenech is found guilty, it would represent a landmark conviction in a case that has long been a symbol of the struggle for justice and transparency in the country. Conversely, if he is acquitted, it may raise further questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing complex cases involving powerful individuals. Regardless of the verdict, the trial serves as a reminder of the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.