Updated 1220
nech Acquittal Sheds Light on Controversial Moments Behind Trial’s Media Bans: Yorgen Fenech was acquitted on Wednesday of masterminding the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after a 55-day jury trial that attracted extensive international media coverage. The proceedings featured several court-imposed restrictions on reporting, including allegations of a pre-trial survey targeting potential jurors and claims involving contacts between Fenech’s defence lawyers and former prime minister Joseph Muscat. Former chief of staff Keith Schembri testified that Muscat had alerted him that Fenech’s lawyers wanted to meet him shortly before Schembri was due to testify. Other restricted matters included claims that €2,000 was offered to a former journalist and allegations of financial offers to secure favourable testimony. Before the trial, a survey commissioned by Fenech’s uncle sought to gauge public attitudes towards Fenech and Caruana Galizia. The court ordered the calls stopped and investigations followed. The court also barred references to Fenech’s presidential pardon requests and temporarily prohibited reporting on site visits linked to the case. (Maltatoday)
Malta Retains EU’s Highest Adult Obesity Rate at 26.6%: Malta has once again recorded the European Union’s highest adult obesity rate, with 26.6% of people aged 18 and over classified as obese in 2025, according to Eurostat data. The figure compares with an EU average of 16.3%, while a further 35.4% of EU adults were classified as pre-obese. Malta’s obesity rate has remained consistently above the EU average over recent years. WHO data also place Malta among Europe’s countries with the highest levels of overweight and obesity, including significant rates among men, women and children. Obesity remains a major public health challenge. Malta introduced free weight-loss injections through the public healthcare system in April for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI above 40. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Prime Minister says appeal options over Fenech verdict are being considered
Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed that the Attorney General is considering whether there are legal grounds to appeal Yorgen Fenech’s acquittal over the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Speaking on Sunday, Abela described the situation as highly sensitive and warned that public comments could potentially undermine any appeal, which can only be made on points of law. He criticised Opposition leader Alex Borg for remarks made shortly after the verdict, including claims that the murder plot had been hatched from Castille and that there had been flaws in the investigation. Abela argued that such statements echoed arguments made by the defence during the trial. He stressed that government was taking no position on the jury’s verdict and expressed full confidence in Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg and the independence of the institutions involved. He also condemned claims by PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut that the Attorney General was corrupt. (Times of Malta)
Borg gives government October deadline on Caruana Galizia inquiry recommendations
Opposition leader Alex Borg has given government until October to begin implementing the recommendations of the public inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination, warning that the Nationalist Party will otherwise intensify pressure inside and outside parliament. Borg said the recommendations should be put to a parliamentary vote at the earliest opportunity if government fails to act. Speaking in an interview with Andrew Azzopardi, he argued that nearly nine years after the journalist’s murder, justice had still not been delivered and those who masterminded the assassination remained free. Borg said the acquittal of Yorgen Fenech had shocked the country, regardless of the jury’s decision. He also criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela’s attempts to distance his administration from that of Joseph Muscat, noting Abela’s previous role as a Cabinet consultant. Borg further questioned Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield’s role, referring to criticism levelled against him by the public inquiry. (Maltatoday)
Haileybury Malta Opens €19 Million Permanent Campus
Haileybury Malta has officially opened its permanent campus in Mtarfa following an investment of approximately €19 million. The project has transformed the former Royal Naval Hospital into a modern international school offering education from Nursery through to Sixth Form. The school first opened in temporary premises in Ħal Tarxien in 2023 with 50 students and is now beginning a new chapter at its restored historic site. Following rehabilitation, the building is expected to use around 75% less primary energy. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg described the development as an example of how historic buildings can be preserved while given a new purpose, while Education Minister Byron Camilleri said the new campus would further broaden educational choice and opportunities for families in Malta. (The Malta Independent)
