A Maltese court granted bail on January 24, 2025, to businessman Yorgen Fenech, charged with complicity in journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, after he spent over five years in pre-trial detention.

The decision to grant bail signifies a significant development in a high-profile case that has drawn international attention. Fenech, who denies the charges, is now subject to strict conditions, including a prohibition from approaching Malta's coast or airport, and must surrender his passport. This ruling comes amid ongoing concerns over his potential flight risk and the wider implications for the prosecution of criminal conspiracies in Malta.

Fenech has been under arrest since November 2019, and his pre-trial proceedings have extended over several years. The case has seen multiple hearings and developments, drawing widespread scrutiny on Malta's justice system and its handling of cases related to corruption and press freedom.

Three men currently serve long prison sentences after being convicted of planning and executing the murder of Caruana Galizia. She was killed in October 2017 when a bomb was detonated in her car as she drove away from her home, an act that sparked outrage and protests in Malta and beyond, with calls for justice and accountability.

Despite the severity of the charges against him, Fenech remains adamant in his denial of any involvement in the murder. His legal team has highlighted their belief that he has met all necessary legal prerequisites for bail. They have pointed to his track record of compliance and lack of disciplinary issues during his time in pre-trial detention as indicators that he would abide by the court's conditions.

As part of the bail agreement, a probation officer has been appointed to oversee Fenech’s compliance with the imposed restrictions. His aunt has also taken on the role of guarantor, required to deposit significant financial security with the court in the event that he breaches his bail conditions.

The court has explicitly ordered Fenech to maintain a distance of at least 50 meters from Malta's coast and airport, which aims to mitigate concerns about potential flight risks. Additionally, he is prohibited from communicating with key prosecution witnesses, particularly one who has confessed to being the middleman in the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing investigation.

Previously, Fenech's requests for bail had been denied due to fears that he might flee the country or tamper with crucial evidence related to the ongoing investigations. The legal landscape surrounding his case raises complex questions regarding the balance between the rights of the accused and the integrity of the judicial process in high-profile, politically sensitive cases in Malta.

The recent bail ruling has been met with mixed reactions from the public and advocacy groups, reflecting the continued divisions over accountability and the fight against corruption in Malta. While Fenech’s defense team welcomes the decision as a rightful step forward after years of pre-trial detention, victim advocates and investigative journalists voice concerns about the implications this could have for the case and its impact on press freedom in the country.

Further developments in the case will continue to unfold as legal proceedings progress. Both the prosecution and defense are expected to prepare extensively for upcoming hearings, which will be closely watched, not only in Malta but also on an international level, given the significance of Caruana Galizia's work and the implications surrounding freedom of speech and protection for journalists.