Protest held in Valletta after acquittal in journalist’s murder case
A large march demanding justice in the case of murdered investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia took place in Malta’s capital, Valletta, on September 16. The protest was organized by civil society groups two weeks after a jury acquitted businessman Yorgen Fenech of complicity in murder and criminal conspiracy.
As Cyprus Mail reports, protesters chanted “mafia, mafia” and carried signs reading “Justice denied,” “End impunity,” and “We will not look away.” The verdict sparked outrage among the journalist’s family and criticism from Reporters Without Borders.
The murder case
Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing in 2017. Three men who planted the explosive device and two men who made it are serving lengthy prison sentences.
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Fenech, who was considered the likely organizer of the murder, was acquitted after a two-month trial. Prosecutors argued that he wanted the journalist dead because she was about to publish information about his business dealings. Fenech denied the allegations.
Possible appeal
Malta’s attorney general is expected to file an appeal, although it may be considered only on points of law. The Maltese government made no substantive statements on the verdict and called for caution in public comments while the possibility of an appeal is being considered.
The journalist’s father, Michael Vella, said in an address read out by one of her nieces that the fight concerns not only accountability for his daughter’s death, but also a country that should be governed by strong institutions and the rule of law. Repubblika representative Manuel Delia called for effective anti-mafia legislation, protection for journalists, and preventing political or business pressure on state institutions.
