The trial of three men accused of murdering investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia opened in Valletta on Monday, drawing international scrutiny and a renewed pledge of support from the British government for press freedom in Malta.
Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed by a car bomb near her home in Bidnija in October 2017. She had investigated corruption and organised crime, targeting high-profile figures including the former prime minister, Joseph Muscat. The defendants are accused of carrying out the bombing: brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio, and Vincent Muscat. A fourth suspect, the alleged mastermind, is expected to stand trial separately.
The British Foreign Office issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Caruana Galizia family and backing a public inquiry into the murder. “The United Kingdom stands with Malta in its pursuit of justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia,” the statement read. “We urge all parties to ensure the trial is conducted fairly and transparently.” The inquiry, established in 2019, is examining whether the state failed to protect the journalist.
The case has become a test of Malta’s rule of law and its commitment to media freedoms. The European Parliament and press freedom groups have criticised delays in bringing suspects to trial. The defendants pleaded not guilty. Legal observers note that the trial is expected to last several months, with proceedings conducted in Maltese and English.
Caruana Galizia’s son, Andrew, said the family was seeking accountability not only for the killers but for those who ordered the murder. “This trial is a crucial step, but it is not the end,” he told reporters outside the courthouse. “We need to know who was ultimately responsible.” The government has faced allegations of a cover-up, which it denies.
Britain’s involvement reflects its strategic interest in Mediterranean security and its diplomatic ties with Malta, a fellow Commonwealth member and former British colony. The Foreign Office statement emphasised the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic society. The trial is seen as a bellwether for Malta’s judicial independence and its ability to address high-level corruption.
Journalists and diplomats packed the courtroom. The presiding judge, Edwina Grima, ordered the hearing closed to the public for the reading of classified evidence. This decision drew criticism from media advocates, who argued that transparency was essential for public confidence.
The murder of Caruana Galizia shocked Europe and prompted international investigations. The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission issued recommendations for legal reforms in Malta. The British government worked closely with Maltese authorities throughout the investigation, providing forensic and technical assistance.
As the trial proceeds, the focus remains on what the proceedings will reveal about the wider network that enabled the assassination. The inquiry is expected to call senior politicians and security officials to testify. For the Caruana Galizia family and press freedom campaigners, justice remains elusive until the full truth is uncovered. The trial continues.
