Key facts
- Businessman Yorgen Fenech is on trial in Malta for allegedly ordering the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- The jury heard Fenech paid €150,000 to three hitmen for the 2017 assassination.
- Fenech pleaded not guilty to complicity in voluntary homicide and association with persons to commit a crime.
- The trial began on Wednesday, over nine years after Caruana Galizia's death.
- Vincent Muscat, George Degiorgio, and Alfred Degiorgio have previously been convicted or pleaded guilty in connection with the murder.
Businessman Yorgen Fenech has gone on trial in Malta, accused of ordering the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The trial began Wednesday, over nine years after her death.
Fenech, heir to a property empire, allegedly paid €150,000 to three hitmen to carry out the 2017 assassination. Caruana Galizia, a prominent media figure known for her reporting on government and business figures, died when a bomb planted in her car detonated. Her reporting had made her a target, and her death caused widespread outrage.
Fenech, who was arrested seven years ago, pleaded not guilty to complicity in voluntary homicide and association with persons to commit a crime. He is the last of seven men accused in the killing to face trial. Five have been convicted, and one secured a pardon for testimony.
The jury heard that the plot was hatched in April 2017, with Fenech allegedly asking a friend, Melvin Theuma, to find someone to carry out the killing. A price of €150,000 was agreed upon, with an upfront payment of €30,000. The murder was delayed due to a general election and then proceeded after Fenech allegedly instructed it to continue.
Prosecutors allege Fenech personally handed Theuma an envelope containing cash. The indictment claims Fenech pressed for the plan to be executed, stating Caruana Galizia was about to publish a story about him. The hitmen ultimately decided on a bomb, which was detonated remotely by George Degiorgio.
Several individuals have already been convicted or pleaded guilty in connection with the murder. Vincent Muscat received a 15-year sentence after pleading guilty and testifying. George and Alfred Degiorgio pleaded guilty to charges including wilful homicide and received reduced sentences. Robert Agius and Jamie Vella, accused of supplying the bomb, were sentenced to life in prison.
The case triggered a political and constitutional crisis in Malta, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Theuma has been living under a witness protection scheme since 2019.