During testimony at the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech in Valletta, two prominent former Maltese officials were accused of being involved in the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Key facts
- Former economy minister Chris Cardona and ex-chief of staff Keith Schembri were named as involved in the murder.
- The allegations were made during court testimony on Wednesday.
- Businessman Yorgen Fenech is on trial for ordering the assassination.
- Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in 2017.
- The proceedings took place at the courts of justice in Valletta.
Two political figures who previously held powerful government roles in Malta were accused of plotting to kill the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia during court testimony on Wednesday, according to the Guardian.
The allegations named a former economy minister and a former chief of staff to the prime minister. The Guardian identified the two men as Chris Cardona, the former economy minister, and Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff.
The accusations were made during what the Guardian described as a chaotic day at the courts of justice in Valletta.
The testimony came as part of the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of ordering the assassination of Caruana Galizia in 2017.
Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist, was killed in 2017. Her murder has remained a focus of legal proceedings in Malta.
The Guardian reported the allegations as they emerged in court testimony on Wednesday.
Why it matters
The assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia drew international attention to press freedom and rule of law in Malta. Allegations naming senior former officials in court raise questions about how far the plot may have reached into the country's political establishment.
Frequently asked questions
Who is on trial for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia?
According to the Guardian, businessman Yorgen Fenech is on trial for ordering the assassination of Caruana Galizia in 2017.
Which former officials were named in court?
The Guardian reported that former economy minister Chris Cardona and former chief of staff Keith Schembri were named as being involved in the murder.
When was Daphne Caruana Galizia killed?
She was killed in 2017, according to the Guardian.