Malta’s public prosecutor has demanded a life sentence against businessman Yorgen Fenech for plotting the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Caruana Galizia, 53, was killed four years ago by a bomb in her car.

Fenech has been in jail since November 2019. He was arrested while trying to flee Malta on his yacht. Three men suspected of placing the bomb in the car have also been arrested. Vincent Muscat admitted his role and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio deny involvement. Their case is still ongoing.

Caruana Galizia researched Fenech and his business, among other things. As a result, she exposed a lot of corruption within the government of Malta.

After the attack, the government of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, not related to Vincent Muscat, had to resign because it became clear that members of his government had ties to Fenech and would receive money from the businessman.

The Maltese state is partly responsible for the death of Caruana Galizia, according to a commission of inquiry. A report released last month states that the state has allegedly failed to recognize the life-threatening dangers to Caruana Galizia and to take reasonable measures against them.

Current Prime Minister Robert Abela has apologized to the journalist’s family who was killed and said he would do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen again.