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August 22, 2026

Malta: Accused mastermind testifies, denies murder — FrontPages.eu, August 22, 2026

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Saturday, August 22, 2026

🤥 Allegations

The high-profile murder trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech saw a significant turn today as Fenech himself took the witness stand, denying he ordered the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. He characterized his arrest as a 'massive charade' and claimed to have paid €50,000 to Melvin Theuma to stop the murder plot. Fenech further alleged that recordings exist of Theuma with former chief of staff Keith Schembri. Beyond the courtroom, new domestic concerns have emerged, including an in-depth report on Malta's growing black market for weight-loss drugs and peptides, and a proposal nearing approval for a five-star hotel in the core of Żurrieq village. Authorities also reported the collapse of a rock formation at L-Aħrax, urging the public to avoid the area. In other news, the government announced a doubling of the first-time buyers' grant for individuals with severe disabilities. Separately, five individuals were arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking ring, and the Lands Authority secured the right to reclaim land at Riviera Martinique.

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Yorgen Fenech, the accused mastermind in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, is currently testifying in his own trial. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming his arrest was a 'massive charade' designed for spectacle. Fenech denied ordering the assassination and alleged he paid €50,000 to Melvin Theuma in an attempt to halt the plot. He also asserted that recordings exist of Theuma with Keith Schembri, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, which he said would…

Times of Malta: Live: Yorgen Fenech Testifies in His Own Trial

Yorgen Fenech is testifying in his own trial, pleading not guilty to complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, with live updates from the court proceedings.

The Malta Independent: Yorgen Fenech Trial: Defendant Claims Arrest Was 'Massive Charade'

Yorgen Fenech, on trial, stated that his arrest was a 'massive charade designed to create a spectacle' as his testimony continues. The judge previously rejected a motion to dissolve the trial.

Malta Today: LIVE | Yorgen Fenech Trial: Testimony Resumes, Defense Presents Case

Accused mastermind Yorgen Fenech is set to continue his testimony, acting as the defense's star witness in his jury trial for the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, entering its 46th day.

Lovin Malta: Yorgen Fenech Claims He Gave €50,000 to Stop Daphne Murder Plan

Yorgen Fenech alleges he paid €50,000 to a person named Theuma in an attempt to halt the assassination plot of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Malta Today: Yorgen Fenech Denies Ordering Caruana Galizia Assassination

During his trial, Yorgen Fenech has vehemently denied ordering the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The Malta Independent: Fenech's Account: Schembri, Theuma and Events Leading to Arrest

Yorgen Fenech testified that Keith Schembri involved him in dealings with Melvin Theuma following the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, including relaying warnings.

The Malta Independent: Judge Rejects Defence Motion to Dissolve Yorgen Fenech Trial

Judge Edwina Grima denied a motion by Yorgen Fenech's defence team to dissolve his jury trial, citing concerns about potential juror exposure to media headlines.

Lovin Malta: 'Recordings Still Exist': Fenech Claims Theuma Recorded Keith Schembri

Yorgen Fenech asserts that recordings exist of Keith Schembri, claiming Theuma was responsible for making them.

An in-depth report has highlighted a growing trend of weight-loss drugs in Malta, revealing an active black market for peptides and the associated health risks. [cite: Lovin Malta]

Lovin Malta: Inside Malta's Weight-Loss Drug Boom And Peptide Black Market

An in-depth look into the growing trend of weight-loss drugs in Malta, exploring the black market for peptides and associated risks.

A proposal for a five-star hotel within the core of Żurrieq village is nearing approval, raising concerns. Separately, a hotel owned by a minister's family, located outside development zones (ODZ), is set to host a reality show benefiting from Malta's film rebate scheme. Experts are also forecasting stronger autumn storms due to unusually warm seas. Adding to environmental concerns, a rock formation at L-Aħrax has collapsed, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area.

Malta Today: Five-Star Hotel Proposed for Żurrieq Village Core

A proposal for a five-star hotel within the core of Żurrieq village is nearing approval.

Times of Malta: Why Major Autumn Storms Could Be on the Horizon

Experts suggest that unusually warm seas in Malta could lead to stronger autumn storms in the Mediterranean region.

Times of Malta: Minister’s Family ODZ Hotel to Host Reality Show Benefiting from Film Rebate

A hotel owned by a minister's family, located outside development zones (ODZ), will host a reality show that benefits from Malta's film rebate scheme.

Lovin Malta: Rock Formation Collapses At L-Aħrax

A rock formation has collapsed at L-Aħrax, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area.

A man has come forward alleging that land worth millions was appropriated from him through the use of forged documents. Separately, five individuals have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation.

Times of Malta: Man Claims Land Worth Millions Appropriated Using Forged Papers

A man alleges that land worth millions was appropriated from him through the use of forged documents, with details from the court.

Malta Today: Five Arrested in Alleged Drug Trafficking Ring

Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation.

The St Jeanne Antide Foundation has launched a new campaign to help families in need with back-to-school expenses. Meanwhile, a new establishment on Strait Street is drawing criticism for reportedly functioning as both a club and an outdoor latrine. The Women's Lobby has also criticized 'institutional failure' following the death of Charlotte Zammit.

Lovin Malta: St Jeanne Antide Foundation Launches Back-To-School Campaign

The St Jeanne Antide Foundation has initiated a campaign to assist families in need with back-to-school expenses.

Malta Today: Strait Street: Malta's Newest Club and Outdoor Latrine

A new establishment on Strait Street is described as a dual-purpose venue, functioning as both a club and an outdoor latrine, raising concerns.

Malta Today: Women's Lobby Decries 'Institutional Failure' After Charlotte Zammit's Death

The Women's Lobby has criticized what they term 'institutional failure' following the funeral of Charlotte Zammit.

The Lands Authority has successfully obtained the right to reclaim land at Riviera Martinique. [cite: Malta Today]

Malta Today: Lands Authority Wins Right to Reclaim Riviera Martinique Land

The Lands Authority has successfully obtained the right to reclaim land at Riviera Martinique.

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