A Maltese court has heard that a man accused of orchestrating the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia paid the legal fees of the hitmen who carried out the assassination. The revelation came during the ongoing trial of Yorgen Fenech, a prominent businessman who is charged with complicity in the murder.
Payment of legal fees revealed in court
Testifying before the court, a key witness stated that Fenech covered the legal costs incurred by the three men convicted of planting and detonating the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia. The witness, who cannot be named for security reasons, provided details of financial transactions linking Fenech to the hitmen's defense. The prosecution alleges that Fenech paid approximately €50,000 in legal fees to ensure the hitmen remained silent about his alleged role in the murder.
Background of the murder
Daphne Caruana Galizia, a renowned anti-corruption blogger, was killed on October 16, 2017, when a bomb exploded in her car outside her home in Bidnija, Malta. Her death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. In 2021, three men—George Degiorgio, Alfred Degiorgio, and Vince Muscat—were found guilty of carrying out the murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. However, the mastermind behind the plot has remained at large until Fenech's arrest.
Fenech's involvement and trial
Yorgen Fenech, a wealthy businessman with ties to Malta's political elite, was arrested in November 2019 while attempting to leave the country on his yacht. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of complicity in murder and conspiracy. The prosecution argues that Fenech orchestrated the killing to silence Caruana Galizia, who had been investigating corruption linked to his business interests, including the controversial Electrogas power station deal.
Impact and ongoing proceedings
The trial, which began in 2022, has been marked by delays and security concerns. The revelation about the legal fees payments is seen as a significant development, potentially strengthening the prosecution's case. If convicted, Fenech faces life imprisonment. The case has drawn international attention, with the European Union and human rights organizations closely monitoring the proceedings. The court is expected to deliver its verdict later this year.
