Full Breakdown
Acquittal of Yorgen Fenech in Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder Trial
9/4/2026, 7:54:59 PM
Core Event: Jury Finds Fenech Not Guilty
On September 2, 2026, a nine-member Maltese jury returned an 8-1 verdict acquitting businessman Yorgen Fenech of complicity in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and of criminal association to commit murder. The verdict followed roughly eight hours of deliberation in the Law Courts of Valletta. Fenech, 44, left the courtroom to cheers from his relatives and sobbing from members of the Caruana Galizia family. The prosecution has announced its intention to appeal.
Background & Context
Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed on October 16, 2017 when a bomb under her car detonated. Five other individuals have been convicted for their roles in the attack. The prosecution alleged that Fenech paid €150,000 through taxi driver Melvin Theuma—who received a presidential pardon in 2019—to finance the killing. Fenech’s defence argued that former chief of staff Keith Schembri, not Fenech, ordered the murder.
Data & Statistics
- Amount alleged: €150,000 paid to Theuma (? $170,000).
- Convicted accomplices: Five men, sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.
- Trial duration: 55 days, beginning July 1, 2026.
- Jury composition: Six women and three men; verdict 8-1 on each charge.
Official Statements & Responses
Reporters Without Borders’ director of the Prague bureau, Pavol Szalai, described the verdict as “beyond outraged,” saying it shows Maltese authorities have failed to identify and convict the mastermind after nine years.
Criticism & Opposition
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg organized a protest outside Parliament, stating Malta “still lacks full justice” in the case. The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation condemned the acquittal as a denial of justice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No individual has been legally established as the mastermind. Ongoing inquiries have been instructed to forward testimony for further examination, leaving the question of who ordered the killing open.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe journalism is the backbone of a democracy,” — Alex Borg
What’s Next
The prosecution will appeal, citing points of law. Maltese authorities must also address recommendations from the 2021 public inquiry that remain unimplemented and continue investigations into possible higher-level involvement.
