Malta: CFWIJ welcomes the conviction of Daphne Caruana Galizia's murderer.

February 24, 2021 — One of the three people accused of Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder pled guilty yesterday. He was swiftly sentenced to fifteen years in prison. His conviction was reportedly lenient because of his cooperation with the security forces involved with the investigation of high-profile cases.

Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was a powerful voice that covered stories on corruption in the Maltese political system, and her work had even forced prime minister Joseph Muscat to resign. In 2017, she was killed by a bomb that was planted in her vehicle. Her assassination caused an international outroar.  Investigations eventually led to three suspects and one of them, Vincent Muscat, pled guilty on February 23, 2021. Upon the confession, the judges warned Muscat’s lawyers that this could potentially mean a lifetime sentence. However, Muscat remained insistent and pled guilty to not just murder, but also possession of explosives, placing the bomb, and criminal conspiracy. Muscat was sentenced to fifteen years in jail, a relatively lenient sentence because of his cooperation with the police. He was also ordered to pay 42,930 euros (around $52,000) in court expenses.

The two other accused of being involved in the murder await trial while businessman, Yorgen Fenech has been charged with masterminding the whole incident. According to prosecution lawyer, Jason Azzopardi, Daphne's family is hopeful that, "this development will begin the road for total justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia." He read out a statement on behalf of Daphne’s family which stated that Daphne was robbed of "her right to enjoy her family and grandchildren.”

The sentence also caused national waves. Even the current Prime Minister stated, Robert Abela, that the conviction is "a step closer towards justice. A step closer to establish the truth in this dark chapter for Malta and for the Caruana Galizia family."

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the judgment and hopes everyone involved in Daphne's murder is brought to justice, no matter how powerful. Daphne is alive in our memory and the bravery she displayed in her lifetime is a guiding light for all journalists who speak truth to power.