Europe urged to tackle Malta’s impunity culture
Nine years ago, Daphne Caruana Galizia, Malta’s leading investigative journalist, was killed by a car bomb outside her home. The men who carried out the attack have been convicted or admitted their roles. No one has been convicted of ordering her murder.
Last week, a jury acquitted Yorgen Fenech, a prominent Maltese businessman, of complicity in the assassination and criminal association. The verdict came by an 8-1 vote, finding that Fenech’s guilt was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
A Verdict That Raises Questions
While the jury’s decision must be respected, the trial revealed troubling details. Fenech admitted knowing about the murder plan beforehand and giving €50,000 to Melvin Theuma, the middleman who recruited the killers. He claimed the money was to reimburse Theuma and stop the assassination, not to finance it. This admission raised significant questions about Fenech’s motives and his role in the events leading up to the murder.
Fenech also admitted passing confidential police information to Theuma and providing additional funds, saying he was blackmailed. He denied commissioning the murder, blaming his actions on misplaced loyalty to Keith Schembri, then chief of staff to Malta’s prime minister and a close friend.
This paints a disturbing picture of connections between political power, wealth, and those operating outside the law—exactly what Caruana Galizia had been investigating. Her work often focused on exposing the nexus between government officials, business elites, and criminal elements, making her a target for those seeking to silence her.
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Malta’s Culture of Impunity
A 2021 public inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s assassination concluded that the Maltese state created a culture of impunity, enabling her murder. Despite this, most of the inquiry’s recommendations remain unimplemented.
This issue extends beyond Malta. A business license in Malta grants access to the entire European Union, with limited oversight. Weak enforcement in one member state creates risks across the bloc, as it allows for the potential misuse of EU markets and institutions.
The Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly recently revisited Caruana Galizia’s case. Its legal affairs committee heard from her son, Matthew Caruana Galizia, and sister, Corinne Vella. Shami Chakrabarti, the committee’s rapporteur, is preparing a report titled Justice delayed: the unfinished implementation of the Daphne Caruana Galizia case. Her work includes examining Malta’s compliance with rule of law and press freedom standards, as well as the progress made in implementing the public inquiry’s recommendations.
Malta’s prime minister, Robert Abela, should meet Chakrabarti at the earliest opportunity and give her work the Maltese government’s full cooperation.
Europe’s Responsibility
Europe owes a debt to Caruana Galizia and her family, who have fought for nearly nine years for truths the state should have established. Her assassination was not just an attack on an individual but on the principles of democracy and press freedom.
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While the jury’s verdict on Fenech must be respected, it cannot be the final word. Nearly nine years after her assassination, no one has been convicted of ordering Caruana Galizia’s murder. Much of the corruption she exposed remains unaddressed, and the culture of impunity persists. Most recommended reforms are still pending, leaving systemic issues unresolved.
The trial revealed Fenech’s admissions about his involvement with Theuma and Schembri. These details show the complexity of the case and the need for continued investigation. The interplay between business, politics, and criminal networks exposed during the trial shows the depth of the challenges Malta faces in combating corruption.
Chakrabarti’s report will be key in assessing Malta’s progress on rule of law and press freedom. Her findings will likely influence the Council of Europe’s next steps, potentially leading to further action if Malta fails to demonstrate meaningful progress.
The European Union must ensure that its member states uphold shared values. Malta’s situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating corruption and protecting journalists.
Caruana Galizia’s family continues to seek justice. Their persistence highlights the importance of accountability in democratic societies. Their efforts have kept the case in the public eye, ensuring that it remains a priority for both Maltese and European authorities.
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The acquittal of Fenech does not close the case. It remains a pressing issue for Malta and the broader European community. The lack of a conviction for the mastermind behind the murder leaves a significant gap in the pursuit of justice, reinforcing the need for further investigation and action.
Efforts to implement the public inquiry’s recommendations must be accelerated. Only then can Malta begin to address the culture of impunity that enabled Caruana Galizia’s murder.
The Council of Europe’s involvement is a positive step. However, sustained pressure and action are needed to ensure meaningful change.
Nearly nine years after her death, Caruana Galizia’s legacy continues to inspire calls for justice and transparency. Her work remains a powerful reminder of the risks journalists face in exposing corruption.
Europe’s response to this case will shape its credibility in upholding the rule of law. The time for action is now. The EU and Council of Europe must take decisive steps to ensure that Malta fulfills its obligations and that justice is finally served for Daphne Caruana Galizia.
