Yorgen Fenech denies ordering assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia

Yorgen Fenech, the businessman accused of commissioning the 2017 car-bomb assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has testified in court, denying any involvement in the murder. Fenech claimed he had “zero” involvement in ordering the killing, though he admitted to delivering tens of thousands of euros to the plot's middleman, Melvin Theuma, and facilitating the transfer of funds for hitmen's legal expenses. Fenech asserted that these payments were intended to stop the contract rather than fund it, alleging he was being blackmailed.

Fenech’s defense has centered on accusing Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, of being the “hidden hand” behind the events. Defense lawyer Charles Mercieca argued that Schembri used various individuals to influence events and protect himself, specifically citing a presidential pardon granted to Theuma as a move orchestrated by Schembri.

During cross-examination, Fenech admitted that his claims regarding Schembri’s direct role rested on statements from Theuma and that he could not swear to them “100 percent under oath.” The defense also challenged the credibility of the secret recordings provided by Theuma, suggesting they were used as tools for leverage and self-protection.