Key Takeaways
- Former economy minister Chris Cardona and ex-chief of staff Keith Schembri were named as being involved.
- The allegations were made during a court hearing in Valletta, Malta.
- Yorgen Fenech is on trial for ordering the assassination of Caruana Galizia.
Two former Maltese political figures, Chris Cardona and Keith Schembri, have been accused of being involved in a plot to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia during court testimony on Wednesday. The allegations were made as part of the ongoing trial against businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is charged with ordering the assassination.
During the chaotic hearing at the courts of justice in Valletta, Malta, prosecutors detailed evidence linking Cardona and Schembri to the 2017 murder of Caruana Galizia. The former economy minister and ex-chief of staff were named as key figures in a conspiracy that aimed to silence the investigative journalist.
The trial has been marked by intense legal proceedings, with Fenech's defense team challenging the evidence presented against him. However, prosecutors have maintained their stance, presenting a series of testimonies and documents that implicate Cardona and Schembri in the plot.
Cardona, who served as economy minister from 2013 to 2015, and Schembri, who held various roles within the prime minister's office, have denied any involvement. Their legal representatives have argued that their clients were not directly involved in the murder but may have been aware of the plot.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for Malta’s political landscape and the safety of journalists. Caruana Galizia was a prominent investigative journalist known for her exposés on corruption within government circles, which led to her untimely death at age 43 in 2017.
Legal experts have noted that the involvement of high-ranking officials in such a plot is unprecedented and could have far-reaching consequences. The trial is expected to continue, with further testimonies and evidence likely to be presented over the coming weeks.
