Bail Granted Amid Ongoing Controversy
Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman charged with aiding the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, received bail from a court in Malta on Friday. Fenech, who was arrested in November 2019, continues to deny any involvement in the charges against him. His trial date remains unspecified, leaving many questions unanswered in this long-running case.
The Tragic Background
Daphne Caruana Galizia, known for her investigations into corruption among Malta’s elite, was killed in a car bombing near her home on October 16, 2017. Her death sparked outrage and was marked by calls for justice. Three men—Vincent Muscat and brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio—are serving lengthy sentences for orchestrating the murder, yet the question of who ordered the assassination remains a focal point of the investigation.
Bail Conditions Enforced
Upon hearing the bail ruling, Fenech embraced family members present in the courtroom. His aunt, Moira Fenech, will act as his guarantor, securing the bail with shares from the Tumas company. Fenech is required to pay an €80,000 deposit and agree to a €120,000 personal guarantee. He must also surrender his passport and identity documents and adhere to restrictions that prevent him from approaching the coastline or airport within 50 meters.
Family’s Response Lamenting Justice Delays
Reacting to the court’s decision, Andrew, one of Caruana Galizia’s sons, expressed his dismay, emphasizing the prolonged struggle for justice over the past seven years since his mother’s assassination. His reflection highlights the frustration felt by the family and advocates who have sought accountability for her death and the broader implications for press freedom and justice in Malta.
Outcry from Advocacy Groups
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation condemned the Maltese justice system’s handling of the case, stating, “The Maltese state failed Daphne in life and is now failing her in death.” The foundation underscored that almost eight years after her murder, justice remains elusive. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also voiced their shock at Fenech’s bail, criticizing the stagnation in judicial proceedings and calling for overdue justice for Caruana Galizia’s tragic murder. The impact of her assassination continues to resonate, questioning the accountability of the government, especially given the previous resignation of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat amid public outcry over the case.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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