Day Six in the Trial of Yorgen Fenech: Secret Recordings and Melvin Theuma's Presidential Pardon in the Centre of Attention
In the central court in Valletta, the trial against Yorgen Fenech for the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia entered its sixth day, with considerable focus on secret recordings and the presidential pardon of middleman Melvin Theuma.
Day Six in the Trial of Yorgen Fenech: Secret Recordings and Melvin Theuma's Presidential Pardon in the Centre of Attention
The jury trial against Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, entered its sixth day before Magistrate Edwina Grima in the Court of Law in Valletta.
During the sitting, the defence focused on recordings that were secretly made by Melvin Theuma, the middleman who received a presidential pardon. Lawyer Giannella de Marco questioned witness Arnaud about recordings between Theuma and Johann Cremona, an associate of the middleman whom investigators believed had extensive knowledge of the murder.
Arnaud confirmed that Theuma attempted to take his own life while under police protection. The defence also indicated that Theuma had recorded conversations with Yorgen Fenech after the assassination.
De Marco argued that one of the recordings referred to allegations that Cremona had paid the Police Commissioner to secure Theuma's presidential pardon. Arnaud replied that investigators examined this allegation but found no evidence to support it. He added that in another recording, Theuma himself denied having made any payment.
Investigators reached the conclusion that Cremona frequently fabricated stories to reassure Theuma.
The defence read out parts of a transcript of a conversation between Theuma and Cremona in which they referred to "€16,000" in connection with the police commissioner. However, the request to hear the recordings in court was refused because they had not been presented as evidence.
Before adjourning the sitting, the defence asked whether Lawrence Cutajar was still serving as commissioner when Theuma received his pardon. Arnaud confirmed that Cutajar was still in post at that time, but had already left the police force when the recordings were made.
Magistrate Grima also addressed submissions regarding assets relating to Theuma, noting that the court had ordered their seizure. She allowed the defence to submit that if any assets or funds had been returned to Theuma's family, they should present the relevant court decrees.
When asked about a separate investigation into money laundering, Arnaud said that between €500,000 and €600,000 in cash had been recovered and seized, along with properties and vehicles. The defence argued that Theuma owned a property portfolio worth €4 million, an allegation that Magistrate Grima queried.
The proceedings were adjourned until 3pm.
Source: Lovin Malta
Source: Lovin Malta