Yorgen Fenech, who has been facing charges of complicity in the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, walked out of prison on Thursday after five years in custody.

His release on bail came following a ruling by Magistrate Edwina Grima two weeks prior, alongside a series of strict bail conditions aimed at ensuring his compliance.

Fenech’s departure from prison was marked by his appearance inside a van, accompanied by his defence lawyers.

The case has remained a focal point of public debate, and just an hour before Fenech’s release, Matthew Caruana Galizia, Daphne’s son, took to social media to express frustration over the slow progress of the judicial system.

He criticised the government for failing to address what he called a “broken system” during the five years that Fenech’s trial has been delayed.

“No one should have to wait this long for a trial,” he wrote, adding that the issue extends beyond Fenech’s case, affecting everyone in the country.

As part of his bail conditions, Fenech is required to adhere to several measures that will keep him under close scrutiny. These include wearing an electronic bracelet to monitor his movements and being prohibited from leaving the country.

Additionally, he must report regularly to the police, and his movements will be carefully tracked to ensure that he does not interfere with ongoing investigations. The decision to grant bail came despite the gravity of the charges, with the court highlighting the need to balance legal rights with public safety and the integrity of the case.

The conditions have sparked mixed reactions, with some arguing that they are an appropriate safeguard, while others view them as too lenient given the seriousness of the charges.

The release of Fenech has reignited calls for reform within Malta’s justice system, with many pointing to the need for more timely and efficient trials to prevent delays like those seen in this high-profile case.

#MaltaDaily