New Revelations in Fenech Trial: Mizzi's WhatsApp Order, Schembri Claims, and Cutajar Incident
· Updated
In brief
- During cross-examination, Yorgen Fenech claimed former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri "played him" and was questioned about payments to Melvin Theuma and leaked information.
- Court proceedings revealed messages where former minister Konrad Mizzi instructed Fenech to delete WhatsApp messages after his phone was stolen.
- Separately, former Police Commissioner Laurence Cutajar was observed swimming at the same hotel accommodating jurors for the ongoing trial.
The ongoing trial against Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of masterminding the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, saw significant developments this week. During his cross-examination, Fenech made new claims and faced intense questioning from prosecutors regarding his relationships with high-ranking officials and financial transactions.
Fenech told jurors that former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri had "played him" in the days leading up to his arrest. Prosecutors pressed Fenech on hundreds of thousands of euros allegedly passed to murder middleman Melvin Theuma and confidential information reportedly leaked from the murder investigation.
The Maltese Herald reported that the prosecutor challenged Fenech's narrative, suggesting he told "more lies" about his inability to control the situation due to powerful individuals and blackmail by Theuma.
Further revelations emerged regarding former minister Konrad Mizzi. Exchanges presented to the court by The Shift News showed Mizzi instructing Fenech to delete WhatsApp messages after the businessman's phone was stolen. This instruction came to light as prosecutor Godwin Cini questioned Fenech about his communications.
The cross-examination also delved into Fenech's alleged corrupt dealings with Planning Authority Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg. The Maltese Herald described this testimony as "startling, highly revealing, and important" on points concerning Fenech's relationships with government officials.
In a separate but related development, former Police Commissioner Laurence Cutajar was reportedly seen swimming at the hotel where the jurors for the Yorgen Fenech trial are currently staying. Newsbook reported this sighting, which occurred while the high-profile trial is underway.
This incident involving the former police chief has raised questions given the sensitive nature of the trial and the need to ensure the integrity of the jury process. These combined developments add new layers to the complex legal proceedings surrounding the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, highlighting alleged political interference and the conduct of key figures.
Testifying during his ongoing murder trial, Yorgen Fenech confirmed under cross-examination that he gave money to middleman Melvin Theuma specifically intended for the hitmen.
Despite acknowledging the financial transfers to Theuma, Fenech reiterated his claim in court that former Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Keith Schembri was the true mastermind behind the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Fenech continues to plead not guilty to charges of complicity in the murder.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. Coverage diverged slightly in headline emphasis, with reporting highlighting either Fenech's direct admissions regarding money or his claims implicating former government officials.
- Times of Malta: Highlighted Fenech's direct courtroom admission that he provided money to Melvin Theuma for the hitmen.
- NET News: Placed primary focus on Fenech's assertion naming Keith Schembri as the mastermind behind the murder.
Updates
- : Yorgen Fenech admitted under testimony that he gave money to middleman Melvin Theuma for the hitmen, while reiterating accusations against Keith Schembri.