Melvin Theuma Testifies in Yorgen Fenech Murder Trial, WhatsApp Chats Revealed
· Updated
In brief
- Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman, began his testimony in the Yorgen Fenech murder trial.
- Theuma is a key witness, having received a presidential pardon in 2019 which advanced the murder investigation.
- The final WhatsApp conversation between Yorgen Fenech and a Castille official was presented in court.
Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on threats allegedly made by the accused in the Yorgen Fenech murder trial. Significant new developments have emerged in the ongoing trial by jury against Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman in the murder plot, took the witness stand on Friday. His testimony is considered crucial, as his presidential pardon in 2019 was instrumental in advancing the investigation into the journalist's murder.
During the proceedings, the final WhatsApp conversation between Yorgen Fenech and a Castille official was presented in court. This official, who also worked for Keith Schembri, was identified as one of Mr Fenech's girlfriends. The court has prohibited the publication of the Castille official's name.
Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, told the jury hearing Yorgen Fenech’s trial by jury that he began secretly recording the businessman.
Theuma explained his decision was driven by a fear that he would ultimately be betrayed, killed, or imprisoned. He testified that he felt vulnerable and believed that recording Fenech was a necessary step for his own protection. This new detail emerged during his ongoing testimony in court.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both The Shift News and The Maltese Herald reported the same details from Melvin Theuma's testimony without notable framing differences.
Updates
- : Updated with Melvin Theuma's testimony explaining his reasons for secretly recording Yorgen Fenech, citing fears for his life or imprisonment.