Maltese politicians plotted to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Gal 2026

The plot to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia took a dramatic turn in court as Maltese politicians were accused of involvement in her assassination. On Wednesday, a Valletta court heard testimony from convicted bomb-planters George and Alfred Degiorgio, who named former economy minister Chris Cardona and former chief of staff Keith Schembri as participants in the murder conspiracy.

Key allegations from the court testimony

Alfred Degiorgio, serving a 40-year sentence for planting the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia in 2017, told the court: “Before I testify, I want to say that Chris Cardona, David Gatt and Keith Schembri are involved in the murder.” However, he refused to answer further questions, citing a pending appeal at the European Court of Human Rights. The judge ordered his arrest for contempt of court.

George Degiorgio testified later, providing more detailed claims. He stated, “The murder started in 2015,” and added, “In 2015, it was Chris Cardona who gave me the orders.” He recounted a meeting at a potato shed with lawyer David Gatt, who allegedly said, “Come with me, Cardona wants to see you.”

Who is on trial for the murder?

Businessman Yorgen Fenech is currently on trial for ordering the assassination. The Degiorgio brothers confessed to planting the bomb and are serving life sentences. The new allegations implicate high-ranking political figures who previously held powerful roles in Malta’s government.

Timeline of the case

The assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia on October 16, 2017, shocked Malta and the world. She was killed by a car bomb near her home. The investigation initially focused on the Degiorgio brothers, who were arrested in 2017 and later confessed. In 2019, Yorgen Fenech was arrested as the alleged mastermind.

The trial has been ongoing, with new evidence emerging. The recent testimony from George Degiorgio suggests the plot began as early as 2015, implicating political figures who had not previously been charged.

Key takeaways from the testimony

• Two Maltese politicians—Chris Cardona and Keith Schembri—were named as involved in the murder plot.
• Lawyer David Gatt was also named as an associate who facilitated meetings.
• George Degiorgio claimed Cardona gave orders for the murder in 2015.
• Alfred Degiorgio refused to testify, citing a human rights appeal.
• The judge ordered Alfred Degiorgio’s arrest for contempt of court.

FAQ