World News
Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech acquitted in murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
A jury voted 8-1 to clear the tycoon of complicity in the 2017 car bombing, while prosecutors are expected to appeal.
The short version
- A Maltese jury found businessman Yorgen Fenech not guilty of complicity and criminal association regarding the 2017 assassination of anti-corruption reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- The 8-1 majority verdict concludes a two-month trial where prosecutors had sought a life sentence over allegations Fenech funded the murder.
- Fenech maintained his innocence, testifying that he acted merely as a messenger and accusing high-level political figures of ordering the killing.
- Prosecutors are expected to challenge the jury's verdict through an appeal.
Key facts
- A jury composed of six women and three men voted 8-1 to acquit Yorgen Fenech of complicity in voluntary homicide and criminal association.[The Guardian]
- Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated at age 53 in a car bombing in October 2017.[The Guardian]
- Prosecutors alleged that Fenech paid €150,000 through middleman Melvin Theuma to orchestrate the killing and had sought a life sentence.[The Guardian]
- The defense argued that the order came from Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to ex-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat; Schembri testified and denied all wrongdoing and knowledge of the crime.[The Guardian]
- The prosecution is expected to file an appeal against the acquittal.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The specific grounds and timeline for the prosecution's anticipated appeal have not yet been detailed.[The Guardian]
Sources
- Maltese tycoon found not guilty of involvement in Daphne Caruana Galizia murderThe Guardian - World