Daphne Caruana Galizia screamed in panic before explosion that killed her, court hears
Daphne Caruana Galizia screamed in panic before fatal blast
Daphne Caruana Galizia screamed in panic - A neighbor driving past at the critical moment has given the court a vivid account of Daphne Caruana Galizia's final seconds. The Maltese journalist, who had been investigating corruption within her country's political and financial systems, let out a terrified scream moments before a devastating explosion claimed her life. This testimony was delivered during the trial of Yorgen Fenech, the man accused of orchestrating her murder.
The Fatal Day in Bidnija
Caruana Galizia met her end in 2017 when a remotely controlled explosive device, positioned beneath the driver's seat of her vehicle, was set off. Her courageous reporting on widespread corruption had made her a target. The aftermath of her death sparked enormous public demonstrations across Malta, eventually forcing then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to step down from his position. The government's initial response to the investigation drew heavy criticism from citizens demanding justice.
Yorgen Fenech, whose family built a substantial fortune in real estate and hospitality, stands as one of seven individuals prosecutors allege participated in the killing. He is the final defendant to face trial in this lengthy legal proceeding. A jury was formally sworn in last week, marking a significant milestone after nearly nine years since the journalist's tragic death. Should the jury find him guilty, Fenech could receive a life sentence.
A Neighbor's Perspective
On Thursday, the court heard from Francis Sant, a resident of the village of Bidnija who witnessed the incident unfold. The journalist had just departed from her home and merged onto the main roadway. Sant was traveling in the opposite direction when he noticed her approaching vehicle. He recalled sensing immediately that something was terribly wrong with the woman inside.
"I realised that from the person inside it – I felt that something had happened to her. She appeared panicked."
Sant brought his car to a halt and described what seemed to be a two-part detonation sequence. According to his testimony, the initial blast left Caruana Galizia alive but terrified. He observed a spark emerge from beneath her vehicle, comparing it to a celebration firework. The journalist remained conscious during this first phase.
"She wasn't right. I thought, what's wrong with her? A few seconds passed – things happened so fast. I saw the first spark, under her car, like a festa [celebration] firework going off. She was still conscious. I heard her scream."
With her window partially open, Sant believes she attempted to lower it further or exit the vehicle in her moment of terror. He surmised that she may have felt the bomb mechanism activate, prompting her realization that danger was imminent. Then came the catastrophic second explosion, which erupted through the windshield and sent the vehicle careening out of control. The car was torn apart and launched into an adjacent field, where another fireball materialized. Sant described the vehicle as being "literally shredded" by the force of the blast.
First Responders and Evidence
Despite the severity of what he witnessed, Sant did not immediately reach for his phone to call for help. "I knew there was no hope. I didn't even think of my phone," he explained to the court. Several police officers who arrived at the scene shortly afterward also provided testimony. Sergeant Susanne Mifsud reached the field twenty minutes after the explosion occurred.
"When I arrived on scene, I could see the victim's car in the field on the left-hand side. It was a total loss. It had a roof that was blown up. This wasn't a simple fire. It was a bomb. I started taking details. I noticed a number plate ... Further up, there were a large amount of the victim's body parts."
The courtroom fell silent as Inspector Kevin Manicolo presented photographic evidence to the jurors. The images captured the devastating aftermath, including the victim's charred remains being removed from the wreckage and laid upon a white sheet. Aerial photographs revealed a significant crater in the road surface, pinpointing the exact location where the explosion occurred.
Fenech maintains his innocence regarding the charges of complicity in the voluntary homicide of Caruana Galizia. The proceedings continue as the court works through the extensive evidence presented in this high-profile case. Transcription and translation by Amphora Media.