Fenech Defence Questions Missing Messages in Murder Trial Address
· Updated
In brief
- The defence for Yorgen Fenech continued its closing address to jurors as the trial entered day 52.
- Lawyer Charles Mercieca questioned the absence of messages between Keith Schembri and Keith Arnaud.
- The defence previously alleged Melvin Theuma was promised a pardon prior to Fenech's arrest.
The trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, entered its 52nd day as the defence continued its final address to the jury.
Defence lawyer Charles Mercieca raised questions before the court regarding the absence of communication records between Keith Schembri, former chief of staff to the prime minister, and lead murder investigator Keith Arnaud. The defence pointed to missing mobile phones and questioned the integrity of the investigation's evidentiary trail.
The address followed earlier courtroom disputes between defence and prosecution teams over the circumstances surrounding the state pardon granted to middleman Melvin Theuma. The defence argued before jurors that Theuma had been promised a presidential pardon prior to Fenech's arrest and interrogation.
The trial is nearing its final stages as jurors prepare to deliberate following the conclusion of closing submissions.
The defence team representing Yorgen Fenech continued its closing submissions, directly challenging the credibility and testimony of state witness Melvin Theuma.
Lawyers delivered their counter-reply to the arguments put forward by the prosecution, maintaining that key inconsistencies undermine the state's case.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both outlets provided routine factual coverage of the ongoing court proceedings and closing arguments.
Updates
- : The defence team for Yorgen Fenech challenged the credibility of state witness Melvin Theuma during their ongoing closing arguments.