Yorgen Fenech, a businessman accused in the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has asserted his innocence for the first time in court, alleging he was framed by the police and had no involvement in the assassination. Fenech, 44, made these claims during a multi-day testimony that concluded on Friday, seven years after his arrest in connection with the high-profile killing.
Accusations Against Former Chief of Staff
Central to Fenech’s defense is his accusation that Keith Schembri, who served as the chief of staff to Malta’s then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, orchestrated the murder. Fenech testified that Schembri, described as the most powerful unelected official in Malta in the years leading up to the assassination, gave the “go-ahead” for the killing. Schembri has consistently denied any involvement and was called as a witness in the trial, though police have stated he was never a suspect.
Fenech detailed a close relationship with Schembri, stemming from childhood and rekindled in adulthood. He described Schembri, a businessman with interests in printing and packaging, as someone he spoke with daily and relied upon. Fenech claimed Schembri repeatedly leaked sensitive information to him, including advance warnings of impending police raids and arrests.
The Barbecue Incident and Alleged Plot
The alleged plot to murder Caruana Galizia, according to Fenech’s testimony, was first discussed during a barbecue at his family ranch. Fenech recounted that Schembri became highly emotional after Caruana Galizia wrote about his brain tumor diagnosis before he had informed his family. “For Keith it was pure revenge, because he’d say she crossed a line by writing about personal matters,” Fenech stated.
Fenech further testified that Melvin Theuma, a self-confessed middleman in the murder plot who also attended the barbecue, exacerbated Schembri’s anger. Fenech claims Theuma approached him in the kitchen, suggesting they could “easily get rid of her.” Fenech stated he downplayed the suggestion at the time.
Approximately two weeks later, Fenech alleges Theuma brought up the subject again while driving him to the airport. According to Fenech, Theuma claimed to have spoken with individuals ready to carry out the murder and quoted a price of €120,000. Fenech testified that he was shocked and initially hesitant but eventually informed Schembri, who allegedly responded with an encouraging “go ahead, go ahead, go ahead.”
Leaked Information and Warnings
Fenech’s testimony painted a picture of Schembri allegedly using him to relay messages to Theuma, including warnings about the impending arrests of the men convicted of planting the car bomb. Fenech claimed that after relaying a warning about an arrest date set for December 4th, Schembri provided details about the police having proof, such as a bomb code and phone records indicating one of the killers had topped up the bomb phone’s credit.
The three men convicted of planting the fatal car bomb – brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, and their associate Vincent Muscat – were arrested on December 4, 2017. Vincent Muscat confessed his role in exchange for a reduced sentence. Fenech also claimed Schembri had warned him about Theuma’s arrest in 2019 and had shared a screenshot of a confidential Europol report that identified potential suspects.
Allegations of Blackmail and Cover-up
The prosecution’s case largely relies on recordings made by Melvin Theuma of his conversations with Fenech after the murder, which reportedly discuss the crime and leaks related to the police investigation. Fenech, however, asserted that these recordings were used for blackmail. He claimed Theuma used the recorded calls to extort money, a fact he states Schembri became aware of, leading to panic.
Fenech stated he paid Theuma €400,000 to be passed on to the Degiorgio brothers to cover their legal expenses. He attributed the immense stress of the situation to the destruction of his family life and his descent into drug addiction, a path he had previously sought to avoid due to his brother’s struggles.
Furthermore, Fenech accused investigators of facilitating a cover-up of Schembri’s alleged role. “I felt betrayed,” Fenech stated. “You combined Melvin Theuma’s lie and a cover-up of Keith Schembri to frame me.”
Prosecution Challenges Fenech’s Account
During cross-examination, prosecution lawyer Godwin Cini challenged Fenech’s narrative, questioning whether Fenech, rather than Theuma, held the real power in their interactions. The judge, Edwina Grima, also probed why Theuma might have felt empowered. Fenech reiterated his assertion that Theuma knew who the true mastermind was, eventually naming Keith Schembri when directly asked by the judge.
The prosecution concluded its questioning by directly confronting Fenech: “Who are you trying to fool? Your fingerprints are all over this.” Yorgen Fenech maintains his plea of not guilty to complicity in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder. The trial is ongoing.
