George Degiorgio Claims Theuma Named Keith Schembri in Caruana Galizia Murder
· Updated
In brief
- George Degiorgio, accused in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder, claimed in court that middleman Melvin Theuma told him Keith Schembri ordered the killing.
- Degiorgio stated that he and his brother were not offered a pardon because they would have implicated politicians.
- These claims were made during the ongoing cross-examination of Melvin Theuma, where lawyers for Yorgen Fenech are questioning him.
George Degiorgio, one of the men accused of the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, made significant claims in court today. He alleged that Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman in the murder plot, had told him that former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri was behind the assassination.
Degiorgio's testimony included a direct assertion that Theuma had informed him of Schembri's involvement. This statement was made under oath during the ongoing court proceedings related to the high-profile murder case.
Furthermore, Degiorgio claimed that he and his brother, Alfred Degiorgio, were not granted a presidential pardon because authorities knew they would implicate politicians if they were to testify. This suggests a belief that their testimony would have exposed political figures connected to the crime.
The claims emerged during the cross-examination of Melvin Theuma, who is currently testifying in court. Lawyers representing Yorgen Fenech, who is also accused of complicity in the murder, continued their questioning of Theuma.
The court proceedings are a critical part of the ongoing investigation and trial into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, which occurred in October 2017. The testimonies and cross-examinations aim to uncover the full truth behind the assassination.
George Degiorgio, along with his brother Alfred and Vince Muscat, were arrested in December 2017 in connection with the murder. Muscat has since pleaded guilty and been sentenced, while the Degiorgio brothers continue to face charges. Melvin Theuma was granted a presidential pardon in exchange for his testimony, while Keith Schembri has consistently denied any involvement in the murder.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. NET News focused heavily on George Degiorgio's claims implicating Keith Schembri and politicians, while Times of Malta reported on the ongoing cross-examination of Melvin Theuma by Yorgen Fenech's lawyers, including Degiorgio's testimony.
- Times of Malta: Focused on the procedural aspect of Melvin Theuma's cross-examination, reporting on George Degiorgio's testimony as part of the court proceedings.
- NET News: Emphasised George Degiorgio's specific allegations against Keith Schembri and the broader implication of politicians in the murder case.