Suspect confesses to killing Malta journalist

STORY: In his first-ever comments on a case that shocked Europe, the man accused of killing a prominent Maltese journalist has confessed to the crime in an interview with a Reuters reporter.

Speaking from jail, George Degiorgio said he would soon implicate others in plotting to assassinate Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing in 2017, after levelling corruption allegations against prominent figures on the island.

If he knew more about her, Degiorgio said, he would have asked for more money to carry out the hit.

His admission came after several attempts by his lawyers to secure a pardon in return for testimony.

Until now he had denied involvement in the killing.

In 2017, Maltese authorities charged him, his brother and an associate with murdering Caruana Galizia at the behest of one of the island's richest businessmen - Yorgen Fenech.

Degiorgio told Reuters he would plead guilty ahead of any jury trial and vowed not to quote 'go down alone.'