Malta Court Hears Prosecution Claims Fenech Paid €400,000 in Legal Fees for Caruana Galizia Bombers as He Denies Charges

Yorgen Fenech arrived at the courts of justice in Valletta on Thursday in an unmarked armoured police vehicle for the second day of his trial on charges of complicity in the voluntary homicide of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The 44-year-old businessman, who is on house arrest after posting bail estimated at €50 million, denies the charges.

Lead prosecutor Anthony Vella told the jury that Fenech paid the Degiorgio brothers €150,000 to carry out the October 2017 car bombing plus €5,000 in post-event expenses.

Vella said Fenech also spent more than €400,000 on the brothers' legal fees through their sibling Mario after their December 2017 arrests, with taxi driver Melvin Theuma alleged to have handled transfers on Fenech's behalf. George and Alfred Degiorgio pleaded guilty to voluntary homicide and are serving 40-year sentences.

Vella described how the brothers attached a container of petrol to the bomb and said a neighbour driving past heard a loud scream as the car exploded metres away.

Caruana Galizia is survived by three sons, two of whom are scheduled to testify. A neighbour who witnessed the blast is also due to give evidence. The trial continues after the prosecution's opening statement.