Family Reactions

Caruana Galizia’s family expressed their profound disappointment, stating that the court’s decision is a denial of the justice she rightfully deserved. Her son, Matthew Caruana Galizia, described the jurors’ ruling as a “terrible decision” that could have lasting repercussions for the country.

Impact on Press Freedom

The verdict prompted a strong response from the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, which asserted that it sends a “disturbing message” to those who threaten and harm journalists. Caruana Galizia, often referred to as a “one-woman WikiLeaks,” was renowned for revealing corruption linking Malta’s influential business and political figures. Her assassination has drawn international scrutiny and highlighted significant issues regarding the rule of law in Malta, the smallest member state of the European Union.

A Political Crisis

The aftermath of Caruana Galizia’s murder led to a political upheaval that forced former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign in January 2020. This resignation followed widespread public outrage and mass demonstrations against his perceived attempts to shield associates from scrutiny in the investigation. A public inquiry that concluded in July 2021 determined that the state bore responsibility for the murder, attributing this to an “atmosphere of impunity” fostered by governmental actions.

The Accused and Convictions

Yorgen Fenech, whose business operations covered the energy and tourism sectors, was apprehended in 2019 while attempting to flee Malta on his yacht. His arrest came after a middleman involved in the murder was granted immunity in exchange for testifying against those implicated. Prosecutors alleged that Fenech ordered Caruana Galizia’s killing because she was preparing to release a damaging article about his uncle.

Legal Proceedings and Continuing Outrage

So far, five individuals have been convicted in connection with the murder for their roles in supplying explosives and assisting in the assassination. In June 2025, Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment for providing the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia. The three individuals directly involved in the execution of the murder—brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, alongside Vince Muscat—are also serving prison sentences after being found guilty.

A comprehensive 437-page report issued by a panel of judges in 2021 outlined that the state failed in its duty to protect Caruana Galizia, subjecting her to significant verbal abuse and personal attacks from politicians. This hostile environment contributed to a “favorable climate” for her assassination and provided her killers with a sense of impunity due to their connections to high-ranking officials.

Calls for Accountability

The family of Daphne Caruana Galizia emphasized that accountability is overdue for all parties who played a role in facilitating her murder. In their public statement, they lamented that nine years after her brutal death, the systemic failures that allowed her assassination remain unaddressed. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also expressed their indignation, stating that the acquittal reflects a significant failure by Maltese authorities to identify and bring justice to the mastermind behind her murder.