History Daily: The Assassination of Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

Host: Lindsey Graham
Date: October 16, 2025
Podcast: History Daily (Airship | Noiser | Wondery)

Main Theme

This episode examines the life, work, and assassination of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, whose relentless pursuit of corruption within Malta’s political and business elite led to her murder in 2017. The show explores her early activism, her unyielding commitment to uncovering the truth, the impact of the Panama Papers, and the far-reaching consequences of her killing for Malta and journalists everywhere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Daphne's Last Day and Assassination

• [00:00] The episode opens with a vivid reconstruction of October 16, 2017: Daphne shares a meal with her son Matthew before heading out—shortly afterward, a car bomb kills her.
  • “The explosion that killed Daphne Caruana Galicia was no accident. The investigation into her murder will soon shine a spotlight on the corruption in Malta and tarnish the reputation of the island’s most powerful politicians.” (Lindsey Graham, 02:00)
• The episode foreshadows the global reaction and the determination among journalists worldwide to continue her work.

2. Early Activism and Formative Experiences

• [04:52] Flashback to 1984: 19-year-old Daphne joins protests against government interference in Malta’s schools, encountering police brutality and a wrongful charge of assault.
  • “After this incident, Daphne becomes determined to never allow the authorities to walk over her like that again.” (Lindsey Graham, 08:00)
• Despite police intimidation and a coerced confession, Daphne protests her innocence, the case is dismissed, and the policeman is criticized for his methods—setting Daphne on her future path.

3. Forging a Career in Journalism & Facing Intimidation

• Daphne begins at the Sunday Times of Malta, quickly gravitating towards stories of corruption, organized crime, and government malfeasance.
• Her investigative reporting brings her personal danger:
  • 1996: After reporting on a drug case, her dog is found dead with its throat cut.
  • 2006: Tires are set aflame outside her home—a clear act of intimidation.
• Unbowed, Daphne starts her blog "Running Commentary" in 2008, attracting a vast international readership due to her fearless exposés.
  • “With no editor to hold Daphne back, nothing is off limits in her blog.” (Lindsey Graham, 09:45)

4. Battles with Maltese Politicians

• Her willingness to speak truth to power leads to public clashes:
  • She is sued for libel by Inspector Anġlu Farrugia (her former interrogator, now Deputy Leader of Malta’s ruling party), loses in court, but refuses to take down her posts.
  • 2013: Arrested on the eve of elections for breaking political commentary rules.

5. The Panama Papers and Escalation of Threats

• [12:15] Daphne plays a crucial role in the global Panama Papers investigation, collaborating with over 100 journalists worldwide, exposing corruption at the highest levels of Maltese government:
  • She links Minister Conrad Mizzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s chief of staff, Keith Schembri, to offshore tax evasion schemes.
  • “Daphne’s latest revelation threatens to bring down the entire government on the island.” (Lindsey Graham, 14:58)
• The fallout leads Prime Minister Muscat to call a snap election, which he survives, but tensions and threats against Daphne intensify.

6. The Murder and Aftermath

• [16:11] In 2017, Daphne is killed by a car bomb near her home.
  • The brutality of the attack and its proximity to the Maltese political elite stuns the nation and the world.
• Suspicions swirl about government involvement; prominent businessman and officials are arrested or forced to resign, but lack of evidence prevents charges for orchestrating the murder.
  • “The Prime Minister, his chief of staff, and their businessman ally are not charged with the assassination ... but they do think they know who carried it out.” (Lindsey Graham, 15:50)

7. Pursuit of Justice

• [19:00] By May 2021, hitman Vincent Muscat admits to the killing in court in exchange for a reduced sentence, revealing the involvement of brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, allegedly paid €150,000 for the assassination.
  • Muscat implicates a then-government minister, Chris Cardona, in providing information to the hitmen, but Cardona is never charged due to lack of evidence.
  • “A later independent inquiry would conclude that the Maltese government was at least partly responsible for Daphne’s murder.” (Lindsey Graham, 21:36)
• Sentences: Muscat receives 15 years; the Degiorgio brothers receive 40 years each.

8. Enduring Legacy and Global Impact

• Daphne’s death inspires the “Daphne Project”—a coalition of 18 global news outlets dedicated to continuing her investigative work.
  • “If you kill one journalist, others will always take their place.” (Lindsey Graham quoting the spirit of the project, 16:30)
• The episode closes by reaffirming Daphne’s impact: “Thanks to the legacy of her reporting and the work of those who have been inspired by her, Daphne’s voice speaks just as loudly as ever.” (Lindsey Graham, 21:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the power and danger of investigative journalism:
  • “Those who planted the car bomb hope to silence Daphne, but instead reporters around the world will be inspired to show that good journalism can’t be killed…” (Lindsey Graham, 02:41)
• On her response to intimidation:
  • “Daphne knows it’s an attempt to intimidate her into silence. When it doesn’t work, she decides to expand her work even further.” (Lindsey Graham, 09:10)
• On being sued but not backing down:
  • “Daphne still refuses to take the blog post down.” (Lindsey Graham, 10:53)
• On the cover-up and accountability:
  • “Still, a later independent inquiry would conclude that the Maltese government was at least partly responsible for Daphne’s murder.” (Lindsey Graham, 21:36)
• On her indomitable spirit:
  • “Even though Daphne’s life was taken from her, those who tried to silence her failed.” (Lindsey Graham, 21:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00-04:03] – The assassination: recreation of Daphne’s murder alongside her son Matthew.
• [04:52-12:15] – Daphne’s early activism, journalism career, and intimidation she faced.
• [12:15-16:11] – Panama Papers revelations, political fallout, and escalation of threats.
• [16:11-19:00] – The murder, investigations, aftermath, and governmental impacts.
• [19:00-21:53] – Courtroom testimony, resolution of the legal case, and Daphne’s ongoing legacy.

Conclusion

This episode of History Daily paints a poignant and stirring portrait of Daphne Caruana Galizia—her courage, resilience, and the high price she paid for exposing corruption. It captures not just the details of her assassination but the greater global struggle for press freedom and accountability, affirming her enduring legacy in the face of violent opposition.

For listeners seeking a riveting, emotional, and sharply detailed account of one woman's sacrifice for the truth—and what it means for journalism and democracy everywhere—this episode offers both historical insight and a call to vigilance and solidarity.