Alleged killers of Maltese journalist ask for pardon in return for naming ex-minister who ‘ordered murder’

Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered in October 2017

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Two brothers accused of blowing up the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia with a car bomb have asked for a presidential pardon in return for dishing the dirt on a former government minister who they claim ordered the killing.

There have long been suspicions in Malta that the murder of the investigative journalist was ordered by one or more political figures in retaliation for her excoriating attacks on widespread cronyism and corruption.

Alfred and George Degiorgio, who are accused of planting the bomb that killed Mrs Caruana Galizia, have promised to divulge the name of an ex-minister who they say commissioned the killing, in exchange for a pardon and immunity from prosecution.

The brothers, who both deny the charges against them, sent letters to George Vella, Malta’s president.

They say they can also identify a middleman in the murder plot, different to self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver accused of arranging the murder.

The journalist spent years exposing cronyism and corruption among Malta's business and political elite

Credit: Reuters

He was granted a presidential pardon in 2019 in return for giving evidence about the car bombing, which took place near the journalist’s home in October 2017.

His testimony led to the arrest of Yorgen Fenech, a wealthy Maltese businessman, who is awaiting trial on accusations of plotting the murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

The brothers also claim to have information on other bombings that have taken place in Malta in recent years for which no one has been charged or convicted

Mrs Caruana Galizia’s family said they were vehemently against any presidential pardon being granted to the brothers.

“Full justice can only be served if Daphne’s killers receive the punishment that fits their crime — the murder of a mother by criminals who were willing to blow up her family with her to make sure she is killed,” the family said in a statement.

“Justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia means her murderers should not be pardoned. Past crimes should not be cashed as currency for killers to buy their way out of justice for murder. “Crimes should be solved and criminals brought to justice, but not at the expense of denying Daphne the justice she deserves.”

Last month, the third man accused of planting the car bomb pleaded guilty on all charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Vince Muscat had been accused of detonating the bomb.