Eight Years Later: The Ongoing Pursuit Of Justice For Daphne Caruana Galizia
It has been eight years since investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated- a shocking event that sent ripples through Malta and around the world.
On 16th October 2017, the brutal killing of one of the country’s most outspoken figures rocked the nation sparking mass protests, political resignations and an ongoing pursuit of justice that remains unresolved.
Looking back over the past eight years, here’s a breakdown of events that have unfolded, the ongoing court proceedings and the steps taken toward securing justice for Daphne.
Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija. For years, she had been exposing corruption, money laundering and complex networks of political and financial connections involving high-profile figures.
Her investigative work, particularly revelations from the notorious Panama Papers, had already made her a target of powerful individuals. The assassination, however, thrust her reporting into even greater public attention.
Her death provoked immediate outrage, prompting demands for justice both within Malta and internationally.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Valletta in protest, repeatedly calling for accountability and an independent inquiry into Daphne’s assassination.
Her death thrust Malta into the international spotlight, intensifying pressure on local authorities to take action, while the European Union, human rights organisations, and investigative journalists closely scrutinised the case.
The period that followed proved highly turbulent for the country’s political leadership and institutions.
In late 2019, the investigation into Daphne’s murder culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, following growing pressure over his government’s ties to individuals connected to the case. Among those implicated were Muscat’s Chief of Staff, Keith Schembri, and former Minister Konrad Mizzi.
The first arrests in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination came in December 2017, when brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, along with Vince Muscat, were apprehended and charged with carrying out the bombing. Muscat later admitted his role and received a 15-year prison sentence after agreeing to provide evidence against others involved.
The Degiorgio brothers eventually pleaded guilty in a dramatic court outcome in 2022 and were sentenced to 40 years in prison for their part in her murder.
In late 2019, the arrest of Yorgen Fenech in connection with the murder led to a major political crisis, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
Muscat’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, who was allegedly named by Fenech, and former Minister Konrad Mizzi, who was implicated by Caruana Galizia in the Paama Papers, also stepped down.
After years of pressure from Caruana Galizia’s family, a public inquiry into the circumstances revolving around the assassination concluded in 2021. The inquiry held the Maltese government accountable for fostering a culture of impunity that enabled Caruana Galizia’s assassination and issued 28 key recommendations aimed at strengthening media protections and reforming the justice system.
There were further legal updates this year.
Following the verdict, Caruana Galizia’s family expressed their determination to continue fighting for justice.
Caruana Galizia’s family went on to say that they’ve listened to “many people speaking throughout the process over the last weeks but we cannot see Daphne and we cannot listen to her words anymore. All the dreams that she had were shattered the day she was murdered on 16th October 2017, when she was just 53 years of age.”
The conclusion of the ‘Maksar’ case means there is now one pending court case involving the murder of Caruana Galizia, the one against Yorgen Fenech, who has been charged with complicity in the murder and is pleading not guilty.
In January, after five years in custody, Fenech was released on bail subject to several conditions.
Afterwards, the late journalist’s son Matthew Caruana Galizia voiced his frustration with the government over its failure to implement the necessary reforms to accelerate court proceedings.
As it stands, no date has yet been set for Fenech’s trial by jury.
Daphne Caruana Galizia’s death has left a lasting impact on Malta. Despite the ongoing threats and pressures faced by journalists, her assassination ignited a powerful movement advocating for press freedom.
Her legacy also reached an international level, helping inspire “The Daphne Law,” part of the European Media Freedom Act, which aims to protect journalists from harassment and SLAPP lawsuits while promoting media independence and transparency across the EU.
Civil society organisations, including Repubblika and Occupy Justice, have honoured her memory through monthly memorials for the past seven years. Her work continues through her family, fellow journalists, and activists committed to ensuring that her story is never forgotten.
Eight years on, more justice has been achieved, yet the full truth behind her assassination remains elusive. While Malta has made progress since 2017, the fight for a fully transparent and accountable system continues.
As court proceedings move forward, there is still hope that the full truth will emerge and that meaningful reforms will be implemented- honouring the sacrifice Daphne made for Malta.
Even now, on this anniversary, her voice continues to resonate across Malta, serving as a powerful reminder to keep demanding justice and defending what is right.
For Daphne
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