Yorgen Fenech Denies Caruana Galizia Murder, Blames Keith Schembri in Court

· Updated

In brief

  • Yorgen Fenech testified in court, denying he ordered the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
  • He accused former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri of framing him for the assassination.
  • Fenech presented a passport stamp in an attempt to challenge Melvin Theuma's timeline of events.

Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, took the witness stand on Friday, categorically denying his involvement in ordering the assassination. In a significant development, Fenech pointed the finger at former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, claiming Schembri framed him.

During his testimony, Fenech largely maintained the account he had given to the police during his interrogations, asserting that he was set up by both Keith Schembri and middleman Melvin Theuma. He stated, "I made a mistake," referring to his past actions.

Newsbook reported that Fenech produced a passport stamp in court, which he used to challenge the timeline of events presented by Melvin Theuma. This move led to a procedural suspension as the judge ordered the retrieval of an audio recording related to a contentious site visit.

The Shift News highlighted Fenech's direct accusation against Keith Schembri, noting that this was Fenech's first testimony in his own defence. The Maltese Herald also covered Fenech's testimony, focusing on his denial and the claim of being framed.

The trial has seen various procedural delays, and Fenech's testimony marks a critical phase as the defence finally begins to present its case.

The Spin Room

Medium media divide. All outlets reported on Yorgen Fenech's testimony where he denied ordering the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and accused Keith Schembri of framing him. Newsbook also noted Fenech's attempt to challenge Melvin Theuma's timeline using a passport stamp.

  • Newsbook: Focused on Fenech's direct testimony, his denial of the murder, and his attempt to challenge Melvin Theuma's timeline with a passport stamp.
  • The Shift News: Emphasised Fenech's categorical denial of ordering the assassination and his accusation against Keith Schembri as the person who framed him.
  • The Maltese Herald: Highlighted Fenech's testimony where he denied involvement, stated he "made a mistake," and claimed he was framed by Keith Schembri and Melvin Theuma.

Sources (3)