Keith Schembri Testifies in Fenech Trial, Claims Memory Lapses and Denies Knowing Theuma
· Updated
In brief
- Former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri testified in the trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech.
- Schembri claimed memory lapses regarding key events and insisted he did not know confessed murder middleman Melvin Theuma.
- He also admitted visiting Yorgen Fenech's ranch multiple times, including after the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Former Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, Keith Schembri, took the witness stand today in the ongoing trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on the Yorgen Fenech murder trial, which continues to hear significant testimony.
During his testimony, Schembri repeatedly told jurors that he could not recall key events relevant to the case. He maintained that his memory was unclear regarding several crucial details.
Furthermore, Schembri insisted that he did not know Melvin Theuma, the confessed middleman in the murder plot. This denial came despite extensive questioning from prosecutors.
In a separate line of questioning, Schembri admitted to visiting Yorgen Fenech's ranch on multiple occasions. He stated that these visits occurred up to ten times.
Significantly, Schembri confirmed that some of these visits to Fenech's property took place after the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. However, he could not recall the exact number of post-murder visits.
Yorgen Fenech stands accused of commissioning the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Schembri's testimony is a key development in this high-profile case, shedding further light on the relationships and events surrounding the murder investigation.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. The Malta Independent highlighted Keith Schembri's specific denial regarding planned arrests, while ONE News provided a general update on the continuation of his testimony, indicating a difference in emphasis.
- The Malta Independent: Focused on Keith Schembri's specific denial about informing anyone of planned arrests in the murder probe.
- ONE News: Reported generally on the continuation of Keith Schembri's testimony in the Yorgen Fenech trial.
Updates
- : Updated with Keith Schembri's denial that he informed anyone about planned arrests in the murder investigation.