Yorgen Fenech, on trial for the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has told a Maltese jury he was framed by police and had no role in the killing, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Yorgen Fenech, 44, is on trial for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- Fenech told the jury he was framed by police and had nothing to do with the killing.
- He accused the most senior adviser to Malta's then prime minister of instigating the murder.
- It was his first time speaking about the charges in court since his arrest seven years ago.
- He was questioned over four days by defence and prosecution lawyers.
A businessman on trial for the murder of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has spoken about the charges for the first time in court since his arrest seven years ago, telling the jury he was framed by police and had nothing to do with the killing, according to the Guardian.
Yorgen Fenech, 44, gave his account during four days of questioning by both defence and prosecution lawyers. During that testimony, he accused the most senior adviser to Malta’s then prime minister of giving the go-ahead for the murder.
The appearance marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn international attention. Fenech had not addressed the charges in court in the roughly seven years since his arrest, the Guardian reported.
In his testimony, Fenech maintained his innocence and directed responsibility toward a senior political figure, alleging that the top adviser was the instigator of the killing.
The Guardian reported that the questioning of Fenech spanned four days, covering examination by his defence team and cross-examination by prosecutors.
Why it matters
The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist, became a landmark case for press freedom and accountability in Malta and across Europe. Testimony that implicates senior political figures keeps scrutiny on the conduct of the country's institutions and the pursuit of justice for the killing.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Yorgen Fenech?
Yorgen Fenech is a 44-year-old businessman on trial for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, according to the Guardian.
What did Fenech say in court?
He told the jury he was framed by police, had nothing to do with the killing, and accused the most senior adviser to Malta's then prime minister of instigating the murder.
How long has Fenech been in custody?
According to the Guardian, it was his first time speaking about the charges in court since his arrest seven years ago.