Millionaire businessman Gorgen Fenech, accused of murdering Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has been released on bail.
Gorgen Fenech, an heir to a casino and hotel group, was arrested and charged with complicity in Galizia’s murder in November 2019. However, delays in bringing the case to a jury allowed his lawyers to successfully argue for bail, according to the Guardian.
The delays have sparked a backlash from the journalist’s family, who said the state’s delays had “disappointed the victims.”
Fenech and his family have pledged more than €50 million in cash and shares as security for his release.
Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb as she left her home in Bidnija, Malta. The case has embroiled the ruling party in scandal and accusations of a cover-up.
Fenech was released from prison five years after he was first charged. Wearing a navy jacket and jeans, clutching papers and accompanied by his lawyer, Fenech climbed into a jeep with tinted windows as television crews pressed towards him. He refused to speak, saying only “thank you” before the van drove away.
Fenech is one of seven men who have either confessed or been charged in connection with the murder. He denies the charges and claims innocence.
To date, none of the accused have been tried. Two brothers pleaded guilty to planting the bomb and were sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Their accomplice was given a reduced sentence after pleading guilty and providing evidence. Two of the men accused of supplying the bomb are in custody awaiting trial.
A taxi driver who claims he acted as a middleman secured a presidential pardon in exchange for testifying and is living under police protection.
The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, founded by her family, said after Fenech’s release: “While no one can be held in prison without trial indefinitely, trials could and should be completed before bail becomes a concern. Defendants, prosecutors and courts should not be allowed to drag out proceedings for years.”
