Malta Businessman Yorgen Fenech Released on Bail in Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder Case

January 24, 2025 – Malta – 

Yorgen Fenech, a wealthy Maltese businessman accused of orchestrating the 2017 assassination of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has been granted conditional bail following nearly five years of pre-trial detention. Galizia was killed by a car bomb as she drove near her home on October 16, 2017, after exposing deep-seated corruption within Malta’s political and business elites.

Fenech surrendered in November 2019, accused of facilitating the murder. Although three other individuals have already admitted involvement—for planting the bomb and supplying it—this marks the first major development concerning the alleged mastermind.

Despite heavy criticism and concerns from Galizia’s family and European Parliament officials over prolonged delay and potential witness tampering, a Maltese court approved bail on January 24, 2025. Conditions include:

• Surrendering his passport and identification documents
• Daily check-ins with a probation officer
• Restrictions on movement (no travel near airports/coasts)
• No contact with key witnesses
• A massive €50 million financial guarantee, including € 80,000 upfront and € 120,000 in sureties, plus his aunt’s shares

Critics, including Galizia’s sons and former European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, have denounced the ruling, saying it reflects a “broken” justice system that favours impunity. They argue the trial should have concluded before bail was even considered.

Fenech pleaded not guilty. Authorities maintain that the complex, multi-jurisdictional legal process, plus procedural delays from both defense and prosecution, account for the extended pre-trial phase.

The case continues to draw intense scrutiny in Malta and beyond, spotlighting issues of press freedom, state corruption, and accountability. With conditions of bail strictly enforced, the next chapter in this high-profile trial remains pending.

Reference –

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/malta-journalist-murder-suspect-bail-charged-rcna189089