The aftermath of Daphne’s assassination saw Malta thrown into the international spotlight, with pressures continuing to mount on local authorities to act, with the European Union, numerous human rights organisations, and investigative journalists closely monitoring the case.

What followed was a highly turbulent period for the country’s political leadership and institutions. 

In late 2019, the investigation into Daphne’s murder led to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat after mounting pressure over his government’s connections to individuals implicated in the case. Muscat’s Chief of Staff, Keith Schembri, and former Minister Konrad Mizzi were among those linked to the scandal.

Meanwhile, businessman Yorgen Fenech, the owner of the controversial 17 Black company, was arrested in November 2019 while trying to flee Malta by yacht. Fenech was charged with being the mastermind behind Daphne’s assassination. His ties to top government officials, including Schembri, have made him a significant figure in the ongoing court proceedings.

Over the years, several key figures have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder.

The first arrests were made in December 2017, when brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, along with Vince Muscat, were apprehended and charged with carrying out the bombing. Vince Muscat later admitted his involvement and was sentenced to 15 years in prison after striking a deal to provide evidence against others involved.

The Degiorgio brothers have also since pleaded guilty in a dramatic court outcome in 2022 and were sentenced to 40 years in prison, for carrying out her assassination. 

However, the most significant case is still ongoing to this day, as Fenech’s trial continues, with more revelations expected to come as the investigation digs deeper into potential political connections.

But while there has been progress in court, the case remains far from fully resolved.

The inquiry into the state’s role in the assassination was concluded in 2021, holding the Maltese government responsible for creating the culture of impunity that led to Daphne’s murder.

The public inquiry proposed 28 key recommendations for media protection and justice reform, urging the government to take concrete steps to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

Without a shred of a doubt, Daphne’s assassination has left an irreversible mark on Malta. And while journalists have continued to face threats and pressure, her death ignited a movement for press freedom.

Something else that emerged on an international level was The Daphne Law, part of the European Media Freedom Act, aiming to protect journalists from harassment and SLAPP lawsuits while ensuring media independence and ownership transparency across the EU.

Civil society groups like Repubblika and Occupy Justice have kept Daphne’s memory alive, tirelessly holding monthly memorials every month for the last seven years.

Seven years on, Daphne Caruana Galizia’s legacy is stronger than ever. Her work continues through her own family, fellow journalists, and activists who refuse to let her story be forgotten.

However, while some justice has been served, the full truth behind her assassination still awaits the light of day.

Although Malta has come a long way since 2017, the fight for a fully transparent and accountable system remains a very relevant one. As the court cases progress, some hope still remains that the truth will emerge and that lasting reforms will take hold, ensuring that the sacrifice Daphne made for her country was not in vain.

As we mark this seventh anniversary, it’s clear that Daphne’s voice still echoes loudly through Malta, urging us to keep demanding justice and fighting for what’s right.

For Daphne