Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech on trial for murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

Malta’s criminal court began hearing the case of businessman Yorgen Fenech on Wednesday, where he faces charges of conspiring to murder investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The 2017 car‑bomb attack that killed the reporter near her home sparked a high‑profile inquiry into corruption and organized crime, and Fenech’s trial marks a pivotal development in that investigation.

Prosecutors allege that Fenech coordinated the planning and financing of the bombing, linking him to a network of individuals implicated in the broader scandal. The defence has denied the accusations, asserting that the evidence is insufficient. The proceedings are being closely monitored by international observers, who view the outcome as a test of Malta’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law. The trial is expected to continue over several weeks, with a verdict to be delivered later in the year.