Keith Schembri Monitored Yorgen Fenech Before Arrest, Court Hears
· Updated
In brief
- Former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri reportedly attempted to monitor Yorgen Fenech in the months leading up to Fenech's 2019 arrest.
- Witness Johann Cremona testified that Schembri summoned one of Fenech's business partners to Castille.
- Schembri allegedly inquired whether Fenech, who is accused of ordering Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, had been in contact.
During the ongoing trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech, new details emerged regarding former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri's actions before Fenech's arrest in 2019. Jurors heard testimony on Tuesday from Johann Cremona, who stated that Schembri had attempted to keep tabs on Fenech.
Mr Cremona recounted that Schembri summoned one of Yorgen Fenech’s former business partners to Castille. During this meeting, Schembri reportedly asked if Fenech had been in contact. This testimony suggests an effort by Schembri to monitor Fenech in the period leading up to his arrest.
The trial, which entered its 19th day on Wednesday, continues to hear evidence related to the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on witness testimony where Melvin Theuma named Fenech in murder plot discussions.
Yorgen Fenech stands accused of ordering the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The court proceedings are ongoing, with further testimony expected to shed more light on the case.
Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on Johann Cremona's testimony in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder trial.
Following the 19th day of proceedings, Daphne Caruana Galizia's sister, Mandy Mallia, shared a sobering reflection on social media. Her comments referred to evidence given by Johann Cremona, a bus driver, during his testimony. Mallia spoke of "no greater pain than having your limbs blown off with a blast," echoing the nature of the journalist's assassination.
NET News also covered Cremona's appearance on the witness stand, quoting him as stating, "Jien minix komdu bis-sitwazzjoni" (I am not comfortable with the situation). This testimony is part of the ongoing trial concerning the assassination of the journalist.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. Lovin Malta highlighted the emotional reaction of Daphne Caruana Galizia's sister to the trial testimony, while NET News focused on a specific quote from the witness, Johann Cremona, expressing discomfort. Partisan Labour outlets did not cover this development.
- Lovin Malta: Emphasised the emotional impact of the trial proceedings through the reaction of Daphne Caruana Galizia's sister.
- NET News: Focused on a direct quote from witness Johann Cremona, highlighting his discomfort with the situation.
Updates
- : Updated with reactions from Daphne Caruana Galizia's sister, Mandy Mallia, and further details from Johann Cremona's testimony, including his statement of discomfort.
- : Updated with further testimony from Johann Cremona, who alleged that murder middleman Melvin Theuma claimed a €16,000 payment was made to former Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.