More than two years after the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on Malta, charges have been brought against the Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech. In court in Valletta, the businessman was accused, inter alia, complicity in the murder, the Maltese media reported consistently. Fenech therefore rejected the guilt. He was arrested ten days ago when he was reportedly trying to escape with a luxury yacht.
Caruana Galizia was killed on 16 October 2017 by a car bomb. Among other things, the 53-year-old researched corruption in the government and business people in Malta. Three men were arrested and charged. They were said to have built and detonated the explosive device. Whoever instigated it is so far unclear (read more about the background of the case here).
The now accused Fenech had offered to provide information on the murder case and in return impunity demanded. This had been denied him. Fenech is the director of a consortium that received an order from the government in 2013 to build a gas-fired power plant. In 2018 it came out that he also owned an offshore company called "17 Black". Caruana Galizia wrote "17 Black" months before her death.
Malta's prime minister apparently wants to announce his resignation
Against the backdrop of the murder investigation, Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wants to resign from office, according to his party, until 18 January next year. The prime minister is expected to officially announce his resignation later this weekend. The journalist's family has long accused Muscat of covering the perpetrators.
Previously Muscats chief of staff Keith Schembri had resigned from his post in connection with the murder investigation. He and former Energy and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi had been accused by Caruana Galizia of accepting bribes from Fenech. Everyone claims their innocence.
Angry demonstrators repeatedly took to the streets against the government last week, calling for the resignation of the prime minister. They accuse the leadership of their country of corruption and demand justice for Caruana Galizia.
