Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Yorgen Fenech Cleared in Malta Journalist Murder Case
Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist who investigated corruption.
In 2017, a bomb under her car killed her near her home in Bidnija.
Several men were later charged or convicted in connection with the murder.
Vincent Muscat admitted taking part and received a 15-year sentence.
Alfred and George Degiorgio also admitted the killing and were each sentenced to 40 years.
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were given life sentences for supplying the bomb.
Businessman Yorgen Fenech was accused of organizing the murder but was cleared, according to the report.
The murder caused protests and helped lead to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s resignation.
Yorgen Fenech was cleared of masterminding the 2017 car-bomb murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Caruana Galizia was killed when a remotely detonated bomb exploded under her car in Bidnija, Malta.
Vincent Muscat pleaded guilty and received 15 years, while Alfred and George Degiorgio received 40-year sentences.
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment for supplying the bomb.
The killing triggered protests, the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, and international scrutiny of Malta’s institutions.
- Who
- Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed; Yorgen Fenech was accused of masterminding the murder, while several others were convicted or charged.
- What
- Caruana Galizia was murdered by a car bomb, and the case led to multiple prosecutions and a political crisis.
- When
- The killing occurred in 2017; the report says Fenech was cleared on Sept. 2, while its timeline also lists his trial as beginning July 1, 2026.
- Where
- Bidnija, in northern Malta.
- Why
- The report says the killing triggered protests, political pressure, and scrutiny of Malta’s police, judiciary, and government ties to people connected to the case.
- Victim
- Daphne Caruana Galizia, a prominent Maltese anti-corruption journalist.
- Method
- A bomb placed under the driver’s seat of her Peugeot 108 was remotely detonated.
- Initial charges
- Alfred Degiorgio, George Degiorgio, and Vincent Muscat were charged with murder on Dec. 5, 2017.
- Fenech outcome
- Yorgen Fenech was reported cleared of masterminding the murder.
- Key testimony
- Melvin Theuma received immunity and testified that Fenech provided €150,000 to organize the killing.
- Sentences
- Vincent Muscat received 15 years; Alfred and George Degiorgio each received 40 years.
- Bomb suppliers
- Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of supplying the explosive material.