Two brothers are jailed for 40 years for the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia five years ago. The brothers denied involvement at the start of the hearing on Friday, but after a settlement with the judiciary, the two pleaded guilty halfway through the lawsuit.
In exchange for the confession, the brothers George (59) and Alfred (57) Degiorgio received a more lenient sentence. Caruana Galizia died at the age of 53 after a bomb exploded in her car on October 16, 2017. The journalist was investigating corruption in Malta.
Last year, a third suspect was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the murder. In addition, a life sentence was requested against wealthy Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech. He was designated as a client by an intermediary, who was also arrested.
The Maltese state is partly responsible for Caruana Galizia’s death, according to a commission of inquiry. Posted in a previous month report they claim that the state failed to recognize the risks to Caruana Galizia and to take reasonable measures.
Omtzigt investigated the murder on behalf of the EU
After the attack, the government of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had to resign, because it became clear that members of his government had links with Fenech and would receive money from the businessman.
Current Prime Minister Robert Abela has apologized to the reporter’s family who was killed and says he will do everything he can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Member of Parliament Pieter Omtzigt was also involved in the murder as a special investigator on behalf of the Council of Europe.
