Maltese Prosecutor Appeals Acquittal of Fenech in Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder
Malta's Attorney General has appealed the acquittal of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who was charged with complicity in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Prosecutorial Appeal in Malta in the Caruana Galizia Case
Malta's Attorney General has filed an appeal against the acquittal of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who was accused of complicity and participation in a criminal organisation in connection with the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, according to news247.gr.
Caruana Galizia lost her life in 2017 when a bomb planted in her car detonated as she was leaving her home. The perpetrators who planted the explosive device, as well as those who supplied it, are already serving lengthy prison sentences.
Fenech, an heir to a business empire in the property, hotels and casino sectors, was considered by prosecutors to be the intellectual author of the murder. They argued that he wished for the journalist's death because she was about to reveal details about his business activities. He has consistently denied the charges.
In September, following a two-month trial, the jury acquitted him by a vote of 8-1, shocking Maltese public opinion and triggering widespread demonstrations. Details about the specific legal grounds on which the appeal is based have not been made public to date. Typically, such appeals are limited to legal matters, whilst the criminal code allows the appellate court to order a retrial if it deems it necessary in the interests of justice.
The previous week, Malta's police confirmed that three jurors, one alternate juror and the spouse of one of the jurors were arrested and questioned. The investigations concerned social media posts and suspicions that one juror used a mobile phone during jury deliberations. All were released without charge.
The murder of Caruana Galizia, nine years on, remains an open wound in European press freedom and has cast international doubt on the credibility of Malta's judicial and police systems.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)