VALLETTA. The trial of three men accused of murdering investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia opened today at the Malta Criminal Court, a case that has drawn international scrutiny and renewed calls for press freedom protections, particularly from British-led advocacy groups.
Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija in October 2017. She had been investigating corruption allegations involving politicians and business figures. The defendants, brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio and Vince Muscat, have pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying out the assassination. A fourth suspect, businessman Yorgen Fenech, is awaiting a separate trial for alleged complicity.
The trial, presided over by Judge Edwina Grima, is being closely watched by media freedom organisations. Reporters Without Borders has ranked Malta 99th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index, a drop of nine places from the previous year. The British government, through its Foreign Office, has allocated £500,000 to a multi-year programme supporting investigative journalism in Malta and the wider Mediterranean region.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Claire Darbinyan, director of the London-based Centre for Media Pluralism, said: "This trial is a test of Malta's commitment to the rule of law. Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed for her work. A fair and transparent judicial process is essential for public confidence, but also for the safety of every journalist who exposes wrongdoing."
The prosecution has presented forensic evidence linking the accused to the bomb and conspiracy communications. However, defence lawyers have argued that the evidence is circumstantial. Legal experts expect the trial to last several weeks, with a verdict likely by early 2025.
Outside the courtroom, dozens of supporters held placards reading "Justice for Daphne" and "Press Freedom is Not a Crime." The Caruana Galizia family declined to comment, but her son Andrew stated in a pre-trial interview: "This is not about vengeance. It is about ensuring that no other family endures what we have."
The trial coincides with a broader push by British and European press freedom groups to strengthen legal protections for journalists. The UK's National Union of Journalists has called for Malta to implement the Council of Europe's Recommendation on the Safety of Journalists, which includes measures to combat impunity for crimes against media workers.
European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, responsible for values and transparency, issued a statement: "The European Union stands with Malta in its pursuit of justice. We hope this trial will send a clear message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated."
The verdict is expected to have significant implications for Malta's international standing and its relationship with the European Union. As one diplomatic source put it: "This case is a litmus test for the health of Maltese democracy."
