Yorgen Fenech testifies in the Daphne Caruana Galizia trial
Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech has pleaded not guilty to the journalist's murder, claiming the police framed him and alleging that the former chief of staff to the prime minister was the true mastermind.
On trial for the 2017 killing of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, businessman Yorgen Fenech spoke in court for the first time since his arrest to respond to the charges against him and alleged that he was facing a police conspiracy.
Spoke in Court for the First Time
Testifying in court after seven years in detention in Malta, 44-year-old businessman Yorgen Fenech made direct statements regarding the murder charges against him for the first time.
Claimed He Was Framed by Police
Responding to questions from defense and prosecution lawyers over four days, Fenech stated that he had no involvement in the murder and argued that the police had framed him.
Former Prime Minister's Secretary Targeted
Fenech accused Keith Schembri, the former most senior advisor and chief of staff to the Maltese prime minister, of being the true mastermind behind the murder and alleged that he approved the killing.
Direct Response to the Judge's Question
During Saturday's court session, in response to the judge's question regarding who the true mastermind was, Fenech answered Keith Schembri.
Police and Prosecution Claims
While police officers told the jury that Schembri had never been a suspect, the prosecution's case rests on allegations that Fenech made payments to a middleman taxi driver.
Judicial Process Ongoing
The trial of Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and denies the allegations against him, continues in court.