Daphne Caruana Galizia

Daphne Caruana Galizia Biography

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese investigative journalist, writer, and anti-corruption activist known for her fearless reporting on political scandals, financial crimes, and organized corruption in Malta. Her work brought international attention to the state of press freedom and corruption on the island. Tragically, her life was cut short in 2017 in a car bomb attack that sparked global outrage and led to major reforms in Malta’s political and judicial systems.

Childhood

Daphne Anne Vella, later known as Daphne Caruana Galizia, was born on August 26, 1964, in Sliema, Malta. She was the daughter of Michael and Rose Vella, who raised her in a close-knit Maltese family. Growing up, she developed an interest in literature, current affairs, and writing, which would later shape her career. Her upbringing in a politically engaged environment helped fuel her curiosity and commitment to justice.

Education

Daphne Caruana Galizia was educated at St. Dorothy’s Convent in Mdina, where she showed early passion for reading and research. She later attended the University of Malta, earning a degree in archaeology and anthropology in 1997. Although her formal education was not directly in journalism, her analytical skills and attention to cultural and social detail gave her writing exceptional depth and accuracy.

Career

Caruana Galizia began her career as a columnist for The Sunday Times of Malta in the mid-1980s. Her sharp, fearless style quickly made her a prominent voice in Maltese journalism. Over the decades, she worked with several leading newspapers and magazines, building a reputation for exposing corruption, abuse of power, and organized crime. In 2008, she launched her personal blog, Running Commentary, which gained a large following for its independent analysis and investigative pieces. Her writings uncovered links between Maltese officials and offshore financial deals, contributing to international investigations like the Panama Papers.

Family Life

Daphne Caruana Galizia was married to Peter Caruana Galizia, a lawyer, and together they had three sons: Matthew, Andrew, and Paul. Her family stood by her throughout her often-dangerous career, even when her reporting attracted threats and lawsuits. Her son Matthew later became an investigative journalist himself, continuing her legacy by advocating for freedom of the press and transparency in government.

Achievements

Throughout her career, Caruana Galizia received recognition for her courage and commitment to truth. She was awarded posthumous honors including the Order of Freedom from the Republic of Malta and the Golden Pen of Freedom from the World Association of Newspapers. Her work contributed significantly to the exposure of corruption within Malta’s highest institutions and was instrumental in bringing about political accountability. She remains a global symbol of press freedom and the fight against corruption.

Controversies

Although admired by many, Caruana Galizia was also a controversial figure. Her strong opinions, direct accusations, and refusal to compromise often led to legal challenges and political backlash. Critics accused her of bias and sensationalism, while supporters defended her work as essential journalism in the face of government secrecy. Her assassination in 2017 became one of the most shocking attacks on a journalist in Europe, provoking broad reforms and ongoing investigations into Maltese corruption and governance.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Summary

Daphne Caruana Galizia remains one of the most influential journalists in Maltese history. Her relentless pursuit of truth, even under threat, reshaped Malta’s political landscape and inspired journalists around the world to pursue accountability despite danger. Though her life ended in tragedy, her legacy endures through ongoing efforts to defend press freedom and ensure justice for her work and memory.