Maltese businessman found not guilty in car bomb killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

September 2, 2026 / 7:59 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Maltese businessman found not guilty in car bomb killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

TL;DR

  • Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman, was found not guilty by an 8-1 jury vote of being the mastermind behind the 2017 car bomb killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
  • Caruana Galizia was known for her investigations into alleged corruption in Maltese political and business circles.
  • Her killing led to protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
  • An independent inquiry concluded that the Maltese state bore responsibility for the assassination due to a culture of impunity.
  • Other individuals have been convicted and sentenced in connection with the murder.
  • Caruana Galizia's family and opposition parties have expressed disappointment with the verdict and continue to demand justice and accountability.