Jury trial begins against Yorgen Fenech for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
After nearly nine years since the killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, a jury trial has begun against Yorgen Fenech, who pleaded not guilty to charges of complicity in the murder.
Jury trial begins against Yorgen Fenech for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Businessman Yorgen Fenech began his jury trial regarding his complicity in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who died in a car bomb attack outside her home in Bidnija on 16 October 2017. Fenech pleaded not guilty to the charges, whilst the prosecution alleges that he was the mastermind behind the killing.
The trial began on Wednesday, with a jury of nine persons and six reserve jurors convened to hear the case. The proceedings are expected to continue for several weeks as the prosecution and defence present their cases.
This new phase in the case came nearly seven years after Fenech's arrest in November 2019, and nine years after the assassination itself. During these years, the case has faced various constitutional challenges and other procedures in the courts.
Corinne Vella, sister of Daphne Caruana Galizia, described the start of the trial as a "relief" and said the family now hopes that justice will finally be done. "Daphne deserves nothing less than that," Vella said in an exclusive comment to Lovin Malta.
Daphne Caruana Galizia was one of Malta's most renowned investigative journalists, and was known for her work exposing allegations of corruption involving powerful political and business figures. Her murder shocked Malta and all of Europe, leading to widespread protests, a public inquiry and years of calls for justice and institutional reform.
Source: Lovin Malta