Outrage in Malta as tycoon acquitted in journalist’s murder

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Valletta: Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman, has been acquitted of masterminding the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, causing outrage among her family and press freedom advocates.

Following a two-month trial on allegations of involvement in murder and criminal association, Fenech was found not guilty by an 8-1 jury finding. Prosecutors accused him of ordering the car bombing to prevent Galizia from disseminating harmful information.

Caruana Galizia, 53, was assassinated in a vehicle bomb attack outside her home in October 2017, following years of exposing corruption among Malta's political and corporate elites. Her murder sparked widespread demonstrations and a severe political crisis.

Three people have already been convicted of carrying out the murder, while two others were convicted of supplying the device. Fenech's acquittal has prompted increased calls for complete responsibility and institutional reforms in Malta.