Daphne's assassination: murderers' convictions & life sentences confirmed

The Court of Criminal Appeal has confirmed the convictions and life sentences of Robert Agius and Jamie Vella. Together with PEN Malta, and Repubblika, we endorse the following statement issued by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM).

Confirmation of convictions in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia: full justice for Daphne’s assassination is crucial for press freedom

IĠM and the undersigned media freedom and free expression organisations in Malta welcome the confirmation of guilty verdicts against Robert Agius and Jamie Vella and their life sentences for their role in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in 2017.

That these convictions were confirmed almost nine years after Daphne’s killing is, in itself, an indictment of how slow and difficult the road to justice has been. Justice delayed in cases of murdered journalists is not a procedural detail but a State failure that weighs heavily on families, colleagues, and on society’s commitment to press freedom.

We acknowledge the work carried out by investigators, prosecutors, and the courts to establish responsibility and secure convictions in a complex and dangerous criminal case. Each conviction represents an important step forward and reinforces the principle that those who attack journalists cannot expect to act with impunity.

To date, several individuals have been found guilty of participating in Daphne’s murder. However, the pursuit of full justice is not yet complete. Related court proceedings connected to Daphne’s assassination are still ongoing, and it remains essential that these are allowed to proceed without delay.

For journalists, justice for Daphne’s assassinationhas never been only about the horrific crime, but also about whether the State can and will protect those who investigate wrongdoing and speak truth to power. When accountability takes nearly a decade, it raises serious and lasting concerns about the safety of journalists and the strength of the rule of law, and the State’s commitment to media freedom. The public inquiry into Daphne’s assassination has found that the State failed to prevent her murder. To date, most of the inquiry’s recommendations have not been implemented.

Justice in cases of attacks on journalists is not only about punishing perpetrators but about safeguarding press freedom and the public’s right to know. When crimes against journalists go unpunished or are resolved only after many years, it sends a dangerous signal that silencing reporters is possible.

Ending impunity for Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination is crucial. Nothing less than complete accountability for everyone involved in this crime will honour Daphne’s memory, uphold the principles of a free and independent press, and ensure that no journalist in Malta is harmed or killed ever again.

Signatories:

• Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin (IGM - Institute of Maltese Journalists)
• The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation
• PEN Malta
• Repubblika