Prosecutors in the trial of Yorgen Fenech, the businessman accused of commissioning the murder of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, have alleged that he spent more than €400,000 (£343,000) on legal fees for the hitmen convicted of her killing.
Businessman's Alleged Role in Contract Killing
Yorgen Fenech, 44, heir to one of Malta's largest fortunes, arrived at court on Thursday in an unmarked armoured police vehicle for the second day of his trial. He remains under house arrest after posting a record bail estimated at €50 million. Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing in October 2017. Three men have been convicted for planting a bomb under the seat of her car, in what prosecutors allege was a contract killing initiated and paid for by Fenech.
Prosecution's Opening Statement
In a day-long opening statement, lead prosecutor Anthony Vella described how taxi driver Melvin Theuma transferred money to the bombers on Fenech's behalf. The hitmen, brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, allegedly received €150,000 to carry out the bombing, an additional €5,000 in expenses after the event, and a larger sum after their arrest. They are serving 40 years for voluntary homicide after pleading guilty.
Addressing the jury in Valletta, Vella said: “The accused also financed the legal defence of Alfred and George Degiorgio, through their brother, Mario. Theuma gave him over €400,000 and the police will provide testimony on that.” The Degiorgios were arrested in December 2017, and their legal bills were paid in the months that followed, the jury heard.
Caruana Galizia's Legacy
Caruana Galizia was one of Malta's best-known journalists, but attacks from the ruling party had made her a target, and public opinion about her legacy remains divided. Vella urged the jury to think of her humanity when making their deliberations: “Daphne Caruana Galizia was a very active journalist with a strong public profile and many investigations ongoing. They used to describe her as a witch, or ‘just a blogger’. You may agree with what she wrote or not. That is not what matters here. She was a citizen like us, killed because of her work. What matters is that she was a mother, a person, a daughter, a wife, a sister. Daphne never saw her children’s children being born. These crimes cause irreparable harm. A person of flesh and blood, with her aspirations and her dignity. That is what concerns us here.”
Witness Testimony
Caruana Galizia is survived by her three sons, two of whom are due to give testimony at the Fenech trial. Vella said the jury would also hear from a neighbour who was driving in the opposite direction when the journalist's car exploded. “A witness was passing by on the opposite lane. He saw her vehicle explode a few metres away from him. He heard a loud scream. The violent and barbaric way they killed her. In the last seconds of her life she realised that her life was over.” He added that the hitmen, wanting to be sure Caruana Galizia would die, had attached a container of petrol to the bomb.
Fenech's Denial and Trial Continuation
Fenech, on trial for complicity in the voluntary homicide of Caruana Galizia, denies the charges. The trial continues.
