Businessman 'Prepared Champagne' for Journalist's Murder, Court Hears

A Maltese businessman accused of orchestrating the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was impatient for the killing and even texted about preparing champagne to celebrate, a jury has heard. Yorgen Fenech, 44, heir to a property empire, stands trial for complicity in the 2017 car bombing that killed Caruana Galizia.

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preparing champagne

Caruana Galizia died after publishing revelations about senior politicians that triggered a snap general election. The key witness, taxi driver Melvin Theuma, who claims he acted as the middleman between Fenech and the hitmen, began his testimony on Friday. Theuma is testifying under witness protection in exchange for a pardon.

According to Theuma, Fenech instructed him to find a hitman because he wanted to protect his uncle, Raymond Fenech, the head of the family business. "Bring him here, I need him to kill Daphne because she’s going to publish information about Uncle Ray," Theuma testified Fenech told him. The explanation later shifted, with Theuma stating the hit was intended to stop revelations about Yorgen Fenech himself.

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Bring him here, I need him to kill Daphne because she’s going to publish information about Uncle Ray

Theuma described his relationship with Fenech as unequal, calling himself a "mosquito" to Fenech's "lion." The taxi driver, who shared an interest in horseracing and betting with Fenech, is considered crucial by the prosecution. He has provided police with recordings of conversations he had with Fenech after the murder.

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He’s a lion and I’m a mosquito

Before testifying, Theuma, who previously attempted suicide, was certified as fit to give evidence. He will testify seated with his back to Fenech and his lawyers, having previously reported intimidation. He began his testimony by apologizing to the victim's family, stating, "My cross was too much to bear; I can’t imagine what theirs was like."

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My cross was too much to bear; I can’t imagine what theirs was like.