In a significant legal proceeding, a jury in Malta’s Criminal Court recently convicted Jamie Vella and Robert Agius for supplying the explosive device used in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist who was killed in 2017. The convictions mark an important step in a lengthy judicial process aimed at addressing the high-profile murder that shocked Europe and prompted discussions on press freedom and state accountability.
Despite the convictions being considered a step forward, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) emphasized that journalists in Malta continue to face significant risks. Pavol Szalai, head of the RSF European Union and Balkans Desk, noted the progress but stressed the challenges in dismantling what he described as the “complex scheme” behind the journalist’s murder. He pointed out the Maltese state’s failure to prevent such offenses and the need for comprehensive reforms recommended in the Public Inquiry Report.
The trial’s outcome echoed broader frustrations regarding institutional shortcomings. The Caruana Galizia family issued a statement, asserting that, eight years after the assassination, the systemic issues enabling such crimes remain largely unaddressed. Press freedom advocates and organizations continue to advocate for thorough reforms to better protect journalists.
Prior to this ruling, the legal proceedings involved several convictions related to the assassination. Notably, George and Alfred Degiorgio confessed to carrying out the murder, receiving 40-year sentences, while Vincent Muscat accepted a plea deal resulting in a 15-year sentence. The involvement of Melvin Theuma, who testified against Yorgen Fenech—the alleged mastermind and a prominent Maltese businessman—has been a focal point, especially since Fenech was released on bail, a decision that drew criticism from press freedom advocates and the Caruana Galizia family.
RSF’s concerns extend beyond individual accountability to the broader landscape of press freedom in Malta. The country’s position on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index remains problematic, with Malta ranked 67th globally and among the lowest in the European Union. Despite slight improvements in its ranking, Malta’s press freedom conditions underscore the need for continued vigilance and reform.
For the legal community, these developments stress the importance of scrutinizing not only the criminal aspects but also potential institutional reforms. As sentencing for Vella and Agius looms, the call for justice continues both within and beyond Malta’s borders. The unfolding of these legal narratives will likely serve as a touchstone for understanding the intersection of media law, state responsibility, and European legal standards.