Malta’s top legal officer is preparing to file an appeal after a jury cleared businessman Yorgen Fenech of complicity in the 2017 killing of anti‑corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The acquittal, rendered by an 8‑1 vote, has sparked outrage among the journalist’s family and many Maltese citizens who fear the case could set a dangerous precedent.
Legal framework and appeal timeline
Under Maltese law, the attorney general has up to 15 working days to lodge an appeal on points of law. The appeal must demonstrate either a “grave irregularity during the proceedings” or a clear “manifest misinterpretation” or “manifestly wrong application of the law” that could have affected the verdict. The attorney general’s office has not yet issued an official statement, and attempts to contact the office for comment were unsuccessful.
Background of the case
Daphne Caruana Galizia, a prominent investigative reporter, was killed by a car bomb placed near her home in 2017. Five men have already been convicted for carrying out the attack or supplying the explosive device. Prosecutors allege that Fenech, a leading figure in Malta’s business community, commissioned the murder, but the jury’s recent decision left no one legally accountable for ordering the killing.
Family and public reaction
Matthew Caruana Galizia, one of the victim’s sons, posted on Facebook that seeking a retrial is “the right thing.” He added, “All branches of the state, including the judiciary, must not allow our country to be one in which people get away with murder.” The statement reflects a broader concern among Maltese citizens that the justice system must uphold accountability, especially in high‑profile corruption cases.
Potential issues raised by observers
Legal analysts note that the appeal could hinge on what prosecutors were permitted to tell jurors during the original trial. Some observers suggest that limitations on juror instruction may have contributed to the acquittal, raising questions about whether the trial process fully respected the rights of the prosecution to present its case.
Implications for Malta’s rule of law
If the attorney general proceeds with the appeal, the case will remain a focal point for international observers monitoring Malta’s commitment to press freedom and anti‑corruption efforts. A successful appeal could lead to a retrial, potentially restoring public confidence that those who order violent attacks on journalists will be held accountable.
Next steps
The appeal, if filed within the statutory window, will be reviewed by a panel of three judges. Their decision will determine whether the case proceeds to a new trial or remains closed. Maltese citizens, civil‑society groups, and international watchdogs will be watching closely for the outcome, which could shape the country’s legal landscape for years to come.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
