The three men accused of murdering journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia have been denied bail once again, the court saying that their release would disturb society to an unacceptable extent.

Brothers Alfred Degiorgio (known as Il-Fulu) and George Degiorgio (Iċ-Ċiniz) as well as Vince Muscat, (known as il-Koħħu) have been under arrest since a dawn raid on a Marsa warehouse on December 4. They were charged in connection with the bombing which claimed Caruana Galizia’s life the next day.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit ruled that the men should be remanded in custody after their defence lawyers filed a request for bail last month.

The court pointed to the men’s criminal records, saying that they had been found guilty of a wide range of offences in the past, saying this showed that they would have no scruples in absconding, given the opportunity.

This was made more likely by the grave nature of the charges they are facing which carry with them long prison sentences. “The modus operandi  of this crime is very disturbing and can be closely compared to a mafia execution and therefore this court feels that it must protect society in general from the disturbance that would certainly be created in society if they are released.”

“In addition, the victim was not a normal person, she was a journalist and therefore her murder is interpreted as an attack on freedom of expression which is one of the pillars of our society.”

Finally, noted the court, the perpetrators did not act alone and therefore their release could prejudice the capture of other persons involved in the murder plot.

Bail was therefore denied.