A shocking revelation has emerged at the trial of Yorgen Fenech, the Maltese businessman accused of commissioning the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. According to testimony presented in court, Mr Fenech allegedly spent more than €400,000 (£343,000) on legal fees for the hitmen convicted of her killing – a stark illustration of the lengths to which those involved will go to escape accountability.
Daphne Caruana Galizia's tragic death in a car bombing in October 2017 sent shockwaves through Malta and beyond. A vocal critic of corruption at the highest levels of Maltese society, her reporting had sparked intense scrutiny and investigation. Three men have since been convicted for planting the bomb beneath her vehicle – George and Alfred Degiorgio, brothers who received substantial sums from Mr Fenech to carry out the bombing, and Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver who allegedly transferred funds on their behalf.
Prosecutors contend that this was a contract killing, initiated and financed by Mr Fenech. During his opening statement, lead prosecutor Anthony Vella detailed how Theuma transferred funds to the bombers at the behest of Mr Fenech, who is accused of paying €150,000 for the bombing itself, plus €5,000 in expenses afterwards. Both Degiorgio brothers are serving 40-year sentences for voluntary homicide after pleading guilty.
Mr Vella addressed the jury in Valletta, highlighting the alleged payment of €400,000 to settle the legal defence costs for Alfred and George Degiorgio, facilitated by their brother Mario. This disturbing revelation raises questions about the scope of Mr Fenech's involvement in the murder – and whether his wealth and influence have shielded him from justice.
The trial has also seen an emotional appeal from prosecutor Vella to consider the humanity of Daphne Caruana Galizia during their deliberations. He stressed that, despite public divisions over her work, she was a citizen, mother, and person killed because of her journalism. Two of her three sons are expected to give testimony in the ongoing trial.
The prosecution will present further testimony from a neighbour who witnessed the explosion, describing the scene as 'violent and barbaric'. It is also alleged that the hitmen attached a container of petrol to the bomb to ensure Caruana Galizia's death. Mr Fenech denies the charges of complicity in voluntary homicide.