ENTRY: Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder
CHAPTER 3: Key Players
Daphne Caruana Galizia was not just a journalist; she was a force of nature. Born in 1964, she grew up in a Malta still grappling with its identity post-independence. Her early career in journalism began when she joined a local newspaper, The Malta Independent, in the early 1990s. It was here that she cultivated her reputation for fearless reporting, often tackling the most sensitive issues of the day. Galizia's writing would eventually transcend the confines of print, as she launched her own blog, "Running Commentary," which became a platform for her relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.
Galizia's work often focused on corruption within Malta’s political landscape, particularly scrutinizing both the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party. With her incisive analysis and in-depth investigations, she exposed numerous scandals that rocked the political establishment. Notable among her revelations was the 2016 Panama Papers leak, which implicated high-ranking officials in tax evasion schemes. Galizia's exposés detailed how politicians, including Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s inner circle, had set up offshore accounts to hide wealth and divert public funds. Her investigative skill earned her both respect and notoriety, as she became a beacon for the Maltese press and a thorn in the side of those in power.
The stakes for Galizia were extraordinarily high. As she dug deeper into the murky waters of corruption, she became a target for threats and harassment. Her home was vandalized, and she received numerous threats that intensified in the months leading up to her assassination. Her bravery in the face of adversity only strengthened her resolve. In an October 2017 post, she wrote, “There are people who are afraid of the truth. I am not one of them.” Tragically, this defiance made her a target, culminating in her assassination on October 16, 2017, when a car bomb detonated as she drove away from her home in Bidnija, Malta.
In the wake of her assassination, suspicions quickly fell upon several key figures. One of the most prominent was Yorgen Fenech, a businessman with deep ties to the political elite and suspected links to organized crime. Fenech was arrested on November 20, 2019, accused of masterminding the plot to kill Galizia. His connections spanned various sectors; he owned the controversial Electrogas power plant, which had been awarded a government contract under dubious circumstances. The power plant, built with the assistance of a consortium that included the Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR, became a focal point of corruption allegations. Documents from the National Audit Office of Malta revealed irregularities in the bidding process and highlighted how Fenech’s close relationships with government officials facilitated the project.
Fenech’s arrest sent shockwaves through Malta. As investigations unfolded, links to other influential figures began to surface, raising questions about the extent of political involvement in the crime. One significant connection was to Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Schembri, who resigned in November 2019, faced mounting allegations of corruption and complicity in the assassination. As Galizia had reported extensively, Schembri was allegedly involved in various corrupt practices, including the award of lucrative government contracts. His ties to Fenech were particularly troubling; both men were seen as key players within a system that prioritized personal gain over public accountability.
The investigation into Galizia’s murder revealed a tangled web of interests that implicated not only individuals but also suggested a systemic failure to protect those who dared to challenge the status quo. In December 2019, the Maltese police arrested three men, alleged to be the actual perpetrators of the assassination. However, the broader investigation raised critical questions about whether those who orchestrated the murder would ever be brought to justice. The lack of transparency in the investigation and the apparent reluctance of authorities to fully pursue all leads fueled public outrage and distrust in the government.
As the narrative unfolded, the question became not just who killed Galizia, but why her voice was silenced in such a brutal manner. The emotional impact of her assassination resonated deeply within Malta and beyond. Families and friends mourned her loss, and her supporters took to the streets, demanding justice and accountability. Vigils were held across the country, with citizens holding placards that read, “Daphne was right” and “Justice for Daphne.” These gatherings highlighted the profound human impact of the secrets Galizia uncovered—secrets that, if left unexamined, had the potential to erode the very foundations of democracy in Malta.
The aftermath of her death also drew international attention to the state of press freedom in Malta. Reports from organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists painted a dire picture of the challenges faced by journalists in Malta. According to a 2018 report by the Council of Europe, Malta ranked 77th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom, a significant decline attributed to the climate of fear and intimidation faced by reporters. The chilling effect of Galizia’s murder was palpable, as many journalists hesitated to investigate sensitive matters for fear of reprisal.
In the months following her death, calls for justice intensified. European institutions, including the European Parliament, began to scrutinize Malta's political landscape more closely. In a resolution passed in February 2020, MEPs condemned the assassination and called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. They emphasized that the case was emblematic of a broader crisis of accountability in Malta, where corruption and the collusion of political and business interests had created a culture of impunity.
The investigation into Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder remains ongoing, with new developments continuing to emerge. In July 2021, the Maltese government announced a public inquiry into her assassination, a move that was welcomed by her family and supporters. The inquiry aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding her murder and assess the actions of state institutions in the aftermath. However, skepticism remains among many, as the political elite’s involvement in her death suggests that the fight for justice may be arduous.
As the world watches, the tragic legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia lives on. Her commitment to exposing corruption and her unyielding spirit serve as a reminder of the vital role that investigative journalism plays in upholding democracy and human rights. The key players in this ongoing saga represent not only those who may have been complicit in her murder but also a society grappling with the consequences of silencing dissenting voices. The complexities of this case underscore the need for a concerted effort to ensure that the truth is revealed, not just for Daphne, but for all those who seek justice in the face of injustice.