VALLETTA, Malta — Two men were convicted on Tuesday for their roles in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, whose 2017 death shocked the nation and drew international condemnation. The jury’s decision marks a significant development in a long-standing investigation into one of Europe’s most high-profile murder cases.
The jury found Vincent Muscat and George Degiorgio guilty of providing the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia as she drove near her home in Bidnija. The explosive device detonated, killing her instantly and triggering a public outcry that has reverberated across Malta and beyond. Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence tying the two men to the plot, while the defense argued the evidence was insufficient to establish their culpability.
Caruana Galizia was renowned for her fearless investigative reporting on government corruption and organized crime in Malta. Her work brought to light numerous scandals, making her a target for retaliation from powerful interests. Thousands gathered for protests following her death, demanding justice and transparency from the government.
During the trial, testimonies detailed the planning and execution of the bombing, raising questions about who orchestrated the assassination. Investigators have indicated that the case remains open, as they hunt for others who may have been involved in the conspiracy.
Following the verdict, relatives of Caruana Galizia expressed a mix of relief and frustration, emphasizing the need for a broader investigation into the individuals and systems that enabled her killing. The jury’s verdict is seen as a starting point rather than a conclusion, as questions remain about the masterminds behind the murder.
The case has attracted significant media attention and has been instrumental in discussions about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Malta and elsewhere. Activists have urged both local and international authorities to take stronger action against impunity related to attacks on journalists.
Muscat and Degiorgio now face sentencing, which could carry lengthy prison terms. The outcome of this case is expected to have lasting implications for Malta, impacting public trust in government institutions and the justice system’s ability to protect those who expose corruption.
This trial is part of a broader narrative about the state of democracy and press freedom in the European Union, intensifying scrutiny on how member states protect those who dare to challenge power.
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