Malta: Businessman acquitted of journalist's murder

Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of the murder charges against investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in a case that shocked Europe in 2017. The 44-year-old Fenech was accused of commissioning the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia, who was 53 at the time of her death. The bomb detonated while Caruana Galizia was driving near her home. Caruana Galizia had been investigating corruption in politics and business in Malta and faced about 40 libel suits at the time of her murder.

Fenech faced up to life in prison if found guilty, but was cleared of complicity in murder and criminal association to commit murder by a jury with an 8-1 margin. He had denied the allegations that he wanted Caruana Galizia dead due to an impending investigation about him. Fenech did not comment after leaving the courtroom, as a crowd of people shouted insults at him outside.

The Caruana Galizia family expressed disappointment at the acquittal, stating that institutional failures that led to the murder remain unaddressed and unreformed. They emphasized that lasting justice means no person should ever face the same risks again, as it was the country's failure to protect Daphne's life that left her vulnerable.

Daphne Caruana Galizia's sons were present in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Five people were convicted in connection to the murder, with three found guilty of carrying it out. All five are currently in jail.