Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech stands trial for Caruana Galizia murder

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:18:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Businessman Yorgen Fenech is on trial in Malta over the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, drawing national attention.

Yorgen Fenech, a 44‑year‑old Maltese businessman, has been charged with complicity in the car‑bomb murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in 2017. Fenech denies the charges and is now facing a jury‑sworn court case in Valletta, where he confronts allegations of voluntary homicide and criminal association for murder. The trial, set to last several weeks, is part of a wider investigation that saw other suspects jailed for life. Caruana Galizia’s family members attended the proceedings, underscoring the case’s profound emotional impact on the nation.

Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech stands trial for Caruana Galizia murder

Candles burn to commemorate murdered Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Berlin

Yorgen Fenech, a 44‑year‑old Maltese businessman, is on trial in Malta’s capital Valletta on charges of complicity in the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a car‑bomb blast. Fenech denies all accusations.

In 2022, brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio were sentenced to 40 years for the assassination, while Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were jailed for life in 2025 for supplying the bomb. Vincent Muscat received a pardon after testifying for the state.

The court session began Wednesday when a jury was sworn in for this high‑profile case. Fenech faces charges of voluntary homicide and criminal association with intent to commit murder.

Caruana Galizia’s relatives, including three sons, attended the courtroom to witness the trial’s commencement. The proceedings are expected to extend over several weeks.