Businessman goes on trial over murder of Maltese journalist

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Businessman goes on trial over murder of Maltese journalistImage source, ReutersImage caption, The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia triggered anger in Malta and across the worldByJaroslav LukivPublished14 minutes agoA Maltese businessman has gone on trial on the island over the 2017 car bomb assassination of prominent investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, whose death shocked the nation. Yorgen Fenech, 44, is accused of complicity in her murder. He has denied all the charges.

In 2022, brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio were jailed for 40 years for the killing of Caruana Galizia, a harsh critic of the government who had uncovered networks of corruption in Malta and abroad. Two other men - Robert Agius and Jamie Vella - were jailed for life in 2025 for supplying the bomb, while their convicted friend, Vincent Muscat, secured a pardon in exchange for testimony. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Yorgen Fenech has denied any involvement into Daphne Caruana Galizia's murderFenech's trial began on Wednesday in Malta's capital Valletta, with a jury being sworn in for the high-profile case.

The Details

It was not immediately known whether the businessman had made any statements in the courtroom. Fenech faces charges of complicity in the voluntary homicide of Caruana Galizia and criminal association with the intention of committing murder. Caruana Galizia's family members - including three sons - were in the building to witness the start of the trial, according to the Times of Malta, external.

The trial is expected to last several weeks, news agency reports.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.