Malta Court Examines €150,000 Payment Linked to Journalist’s Murder
Hitmen took 150 000 to murder – Malta’s judicial system is now examining the role of a wealthy businessman in the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, with prosecutors presenting evidence that suggests a €150,000 payment was involved in orchestrating the crime. The trial, which began on Wednesday after years of legal maneuvering, has brought renewed scrutiny to the nation’s political and economic landscape, as well as its commitment to the rule of law.
The Unfolding of the Case
According to the indictment, which was cited by the Times of Malta, Yorgen Fenech, a prominent tycoon, was allegedly tasked with arranging the elimination of Caruana Galizia by an acquaintance. This individual reportedly approached Fenech with a proposal to remove the journalist, citing concerns that her upcoming revelations would expose corruption linked to his uncle. The deal, finalized in cash, involved a handshake, a coded text message, and a sum of €150,000, as outlined in the account provided by Amphora Media, the journalism platform of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation.
The plan reportedly evolved over the summer of 2017, with Fenech’s associate contacting two brothers—Alfred and George Degiorgio—who were identified as key figures in the plot. The indictment claims that the brothers, each later sentenced to 40 years in prison, coordinated the attack with the aid of an accomplice. This accomplice, who was sentenced to 15 years in 2021, described the trio’s initial intent to shoot Caruana Galizia at her home using sniper rifles before settling on a car bomb as the final method.
A Deadly Plot Unveiled
Caruana Galizia, a 44-year-old mother of three sons, was killed on 16 October 2017 near her residence. The attack involved a meticulously planned explosion hidden under the driver’s seat of her Peugeot 108, triggered by a coded text message from the perpetrators. The method of execution, described as both calculated and swift, highlighted the level of coordination and secrecy surrounding the crime.
Fenech, who was arrested in 2019 aboard his yacht while attempting to flee the country, has become a central figure in the case. His 2013 multimillion-euro contract with the Maltese government for a gas-fired power plant has since been cited as a potential point of contention, given his alleged involvement in the journalist’s murder. The trial, now underway, is expected to span several weeks as prosecutors and defense teams present their arguments.
The Legacy of a “One-Woman WikiLeaks”
Daphne Caruana Galizia was widely recognized for her relentless pursuit of truth, often likened to a “one-woman WikiLeaks” by media outlets. Her investigative work exposed high-level corruption in Malta’s political and business sectors, uncovering murky connections between elites and organized crime. The journalist’s death not only stunned the nation but also sparked global outrage, thrusting Malta into the spotlight as a European Union member state grappling with rule-of-law challenges.
“She was a force of nature, a voice that cut through the noise of political obfuscation,” said a fellow journalist, reflecting on her impact. “Her work reminded us that transparency is a right, not a privilege.”
Her assassination became a symbol of the systemic issues plaguing Malta, particularly the perceived influence of powerful families on government decisions. The case led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in January 2020, following widespread protests and public anger over his alleged efforts to shield allies from the investigation. Muscat’s government was accused of obstructing justice, which further intensified the debate over accountability in Maltese politics.
Caruana Galizia’s legacy continues to resonate, with her family and supporters advocating for the full exposure of the conspiracy behind her murder. The €150,000 payment, reportedly made in cash inside a brown envelope, has been central to the prosecution’s argument, suggesting a direct financial incentive for the crime. The two Degiorgio brothers, who were instrumental in the planning, have already been convicted, but the case against Fenech remains a focal point of the trial.
The Weight of the Evidence
Prosecutors have emphasized the thoroughness of their case, including forensic evidence and witness testimonies that link Fenech to the plot. The testimony of the accomplice, who described the chain of events leading up to the attack, has provided critical insight into the motives and methods of the perpetrators. The coded text message used to trigger the explosion underscores the precision with which the crime was executed, raising questions about the involvement of high-level officials.
Despite the evidence, Fenech’s legal team has argued that the payment was a reward for completing the task, not proof of his direct order. They have also highlighted procedural delays that prolonged the trial, including Fenech’s escape in 2019. The yacht arrest, which occurred during a time of political turmoil, was a pivotal moment that demonstrated the urgency of the case and the lengths to which the government was willing to go to secure the journalist’s killer.
The trial has become a landmark event in Malta’s legal history, with implications extending beyond the individual case. It has drawn comparisons to other high-profile assassinations and highlighted the country’s struggle to balance power dynamics with judicial integrity. As the proceedings continue, the focus remains on whether Fenech’s actions were the result of personal ambition or a broader scheme to protect the interests of political elites.
Global Implications and Public Demand for Justice
Caruana Galizia’s death has had a lasting impact, not only in Malta but across the European Union. Her work exposed corruption that had long gone unnoticed, revealing how political decisions were often swayed by economic interests. The trial has become a platform for discussing the intersection of media freedom, political influence, and the legal system’s ability to deliver justice.
Public demand for accountability has remained high, with activists and legal experts calling for transparency in the case. The €150,000 payment, once considered a simple transaction, now symbolizes the broader corruption that her investigative journalism sought to dismantle. As the court continues its deliberations, the hope is that the case will serve as a turning point for Malta’s judicial reforms and the protection of whistleblowers and journalists.
With the trial set to last several weeks, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for Malta’s political landscape and its reputation as a European Union member state. The case against Fenech represents more than just a legal battle—it is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the lengths to which those in power may go to silence dissent. As the evidence unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether justice will be served for one of Malta’s most prominent voices.
