Man accused of ordering Daphne Caruana Galizia murder paid hitmen’s legal fees, court hears

Malta's high-profile trial of Yorgen Fenech, a prominent businessman accused of orchestrating the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has taken center stage in the nation's legal system. The trial, which commenced recently in Valletta, involves complex legal proceedings centered around the 2017 assassination of Caruana Galizia, whose work exposing corruption among political and business elites had made her a controversial yet respected figure in Maltese society.

According to the prosecution, Fenech, the heir to a significant property empire including the Hilton Malta hotel and casino, allegedly conspired with others to kill Caruana Galizia. The indictment states that Fenech approached his acquaintance, Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver and bookmaker, to locate individuals capable of carrying out the assassination. Theuma reportedly connected with the Degiorgio brothers—Alfred and George—who were later convicted of planting a bomb in Caruana Galizia’s car. Prosecutors allege that Fenech arranged for the payment of €150,000 to the hitmen, with an additional €5,000 allocated for expenses following the attack.

The trial has drawn considerable attention due to the high-profile nature of both the victim and the accused. Caruana Galizia, known for her relentless pursuit of truth, was killed in a car bombing on 16 October 2017. According to the prosecution, the attack was meticulously planned, with the perpetrators monitoring her movements for several weeks prior. The bomb, hidden in a children’s shoebox beneath her driver’s seat, was detonated as she drove away from her home in Bidnija. Her son, Matthew Caruana Galizia, discovered her body in the wreckage. The incident sparked widespread outrage across Europe and highlighted the dangers faced by whistleblowers and journalists in Malta.

The legal process surrounding Fenech's trial has been marked by procedural complexities. Following multiple delays and a period of pre-trial detention, Fenech was released on bail in February after the legal limit for holding him without charge expired. His trial now proceeds with a carefully selected jury, chosen amid concerns about media influence and public perception. The jury members are required to live in a hotel and remain disconnected from electronic devices throughout the trial to ensure impartiality.

In addition to the financial arrangements with the hitmen, prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that Fenech not only funded the initial contract but also covered the legal costs incurred by the Degiorgio brothers after their arrests. This included payments totaling over €400,000, according to the lead prosecutor, Anthony Vella. Vella emphasized the human aspect of the case, urging the jury to consider Caruana Galizia's identity beyond her role as a journalist. He described her as a mother, daughter, and wife, emphasizing that her death was a result of her commitment to uncovering the truth rather than her personal beliefs or affiliations.

The trial continues to unfold with testimonies from various witnesses, including neighbors and colleagues of Caruana Galizia. One such witness recounted seeing her car explode and hearing a scream moments before the tragic event. These accounts aim to paint a vivid picture of the circumstances surrounding her death and reinforce the gravity of the crime committed against her. As the trial progresses, the focus remains on establishing whether Fenech played a direct role in planning and executing the assassination, despite his denial of the charges. The outcome of this trial is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for justice in Malta and the protection of press freedom in the region.