politics
Businessman was ‘preparing champagne’ to celebrate Caruana Galizia murder, court hears
Taxi driver says he acted as middleman between Yorgen Fenech and three men already convicted of €150,000 contract killing
TL;DR
- Yorgen Fenech is on trial in Malta for complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- A key witness, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, testified that Fenech ordered the hit because he wanted to protect his uncle and later himself from damaging revelations.
- Theuma acted as a middleman between Fenech and three men convicted of carrying out the murder for €150,000.
- Fenech allegedly texted Theuma about 'preparing champagne' to celebrate the murder.
- Theuma detailed Fenech's instructions, including a temporary cancellation of the hit and a bet placed on a snap general election, before Fenech allegedly instructed him to proceed.
- Fenech is accused of plotting Caruana Galizia's routine and providing the payment for the murder.
- Theuma expressed deep remorse for his involvement and communication with the victim's sons.