By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Maltese court found Robert Agius and Jamie Vella guilty of providing the explosives used in the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The two men are the fifth and sixth individuals convicted in connection with the car bombing, which followed Caruana Galizia’s reporting on government corruption. While the Degiorgio brothers are serving lengthy sentences for carrying out the murder, and Vince Muscat received a reduced sentence for his testimony, Yorgen Fenech, allegedly the mastermind, awaits trial. The Caruana Galizia family expressed satisfaction with the verdict but noted that systemic failures enabling the assassination remain unresolved.
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A Maltese court recently convicted Robert Agius and Jamie Vella for their roles in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. They were found guilty of supplying the military-grade explosives used in the car bomb that killed the journalist in October 2017. This significant verdict marks another step in the long and complex legal process surrounding this tragic event.
The conviction highlights the meticulous planning and execution of the attack. The use of military-grade explosives underscores the calculated nature of the assassination, suggesting a level of premeditation and access to resources that requires further investigation into the broader network involved.
Caruana Galizia’s work focused heavily on uncovering government corruption and shady business dealings. Her investigative journalism, particularly her reporting on the Panama Papers and the inner circle of then-President Joseph Muscat, brought her into direct conflict with powerful figures. This context is crucial to understanding the motives behind her murder.
The assassination sent shockwaves through Malta and beyond, sparking widespread protests and outrage. Many saw it as a direct attack on freedom of the press and an alarming example of the dangers faced by investigative journalists who expose wrongdoing. The protests directed significant anger at Muscat, with accusations of his administration shielding those implicated in the crime.
While Muscat eventually resigned in 2019, a subsequent public inquiry cleared the government of direct involvement in the murder. However, the inquiry did highlight a concerning “climate of impunity” within the administration, suggesting a systemic failure that allowed those who sought to harm Caruana Galizia to operate with a degree of freedom. This finding is perhaps the most troubling aspect, suggesting a deeper rot within the Maltese system that needs urgent attention.
The Caruana Galizia family, while acknowledging this small victory in achieving justice, also rightly emphasized the continuing need to address the systemic failures that enabled her murder. Their statement rightly points out that the convictions of Agius and Vella, while significant, are only a piece of a much larger puzzle. The fact that this is only the fourth and fifth conviction related to the bombing highlights the extensive network involved and the remaining challenges in bringing all those responsible to justice.
The focus now shifts towards uncovering the masterminds behind the plot. The connections between Caruana Galizia’s investigations and powerful figures within the Maltese political establishment necessitate a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those at the highest levels of complicity to account. The lingering suspicion that the real perpetrators remain unpunished casts a long shadow over the Maltese justice system.
Skepticism remains high about the possibility of achieving justice for Caruana Galizia at the highest levels of government. The lasting influence of the Labour Party, despite the resignation of Muscat, continues to raise concerns about the potential for obstruction of justice. The conviction of Agius and Vella represents a significant step, but the fight for justice remains far from over.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by investigative journalists who dare to expose corruption and abuse of power. It also highlights the crucial role of a free press in a democratic society and the importance of holding those responsible for silencing dissenting voices accountable. While the conviction of Agius and Vella offers a degree of solace and closure, the systemic issues highlighted by the case demand sustained attention and comprehensive reform to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Only when those responsible at all levels are brought to justice will Malta begin to fully address the legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.