Two former high-ranking Maltese political figures were accused in court on Wednesday of being involved in the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The allegations emerged during the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of ordering the assassination.
Underworld Figures Testify
The jury heard testimony from brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, both serving 40-year sentences for planting the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia. They named former economy minister Chris Cardona and Keith Schembri, who served as chief of staff to then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, as participants in the plot. They also implicated lawyer David Gatt, an associate of Cardona.
Alfred Degiorgio, testifying first, stated: "Before I testify, I want to say that Chris Cardona, David Gatt and Keith Schembri are involved in the murder." However, he refused to answer further questions, citing an appeal at the European Court of Human Rights. Judge Edwina Grima ordered his arrest for contempt of court.
Detailed Allegations from George Degiorgio
George Degiorgio provided more extensive testimony in the afternoon. He claimed the murder plot began in 2015, stating: "It was Chris Cardona who gave me the orders." He recounted a meeting arranged by David Gatt at a potato shed, where Cardona allegedly said: "I want you guys to kill Daphne." Degiorgio said he quoted a price of €150,000. Cardona allegedly mentioned that others were involved, including "me, Keith, the commissioner and someone else."
Degiorgio claimed Cardona wanted the journalist killed "because she'll break our party." He alleged that Cardona later handed him €50,000 in cash and assured him that police patrols would not interfere. The plot was allegedly paused in 2015 due to upcoming elections.
Denials and Family Statement
Cardona, Schembri, and Gatt have consistently denied any involvement. Caruana Galizia's family issued a statement on Tuesday cautioning that "allegations alone are not evidence" and that no sufficient evidence has been presented linking the accused to payment for the assassination. The trial continues.
