Malta businessman charged with being complicit in murder of journalist
A businessman has been charged with complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the journalist killed by a car bomb in October 2017, as Malta’s prime minister hangs on to his post.
Yorgen Fenech, one of the Mediterranean island’s wealthiest tycoons, pleaded not guilty on Saturday. He appeared in a court in the capital Valletta, accused along with four others of charges that include membership of a criminal gang.
Mr Fenech, whose business interests span the transport and property sectors, was arrested on November 20 aboard a yacht trying to leave Malta.
He had previously tried to request immunity in connection with the reporter’s killing, but his request was denied by Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his Cabinet.
Three more people are awaiting trial for the murder of the journalist, who wrote stories exposing government corruption, nepotism and allegations of money laundering.
As the investigation into the murder intensifies, hundreds of protesters in Malta have taken to the streets to protest against the government, who they accuse of being politically corrupt and covering up the investigation into Galizia’s murder.
The scrutiny and the unrest has led to three ministers resigning. Mr Muscat’s chief aide, Keith Schembri, quit last week amid reports he was being questioned by police, while tourism minister Konrad Mizzi also stepped down. Economy Minister Chris Cardona decided to suspend himself.
Opposition politicians have also criticised Mr Muscat for allowing two government officials accused of being financially connected to Mr Fentech to stay in their roles, and have called on him to resign.
Mr Muscat convened an emergency meeting yesterday as pressure mounted for him to quit as well over his handling of the murder investigation.
Critics have accused the Labour leader of protecting those involved in Galizia’s murder.
Mr Fenech identified Mr Schembri as the “real mastermind” behind the killing.