Yorgen Fenech weapons case heard behind closed doors

Tista’ taqra bil-
Malti.

The compilation of evidence against murder suspect Yorgen Fenech’s alleged purchase of weapons began this morning, however proceedings were held behind closed doors on the request of the police.

Last week, the man accused of plotting the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia pleaded not guilty to charges of acquiring unlicensed weapons and ammunition.

Inspector Omar Zammit told court that given that investigations are still underway the case should be heard behind closed doors.

This was necessary, he said, due to the sensitivity of the case and testimonies that would form part of it. The defence lawyers did not object and magistrate Nadine Lia agreed to the request.

Magistrate Nadine Lia who will be presiding over the case, has come under pressure to recuse herself. Her father-in-law, Pawlu Lia, is disgraced former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s lawyer.

This had led to the Magistrate to recuse herself from hearing the inquiry into Melvin Theuma’s phantom job and the compilation of evidence against the alleged Caruana Galizia bomb makers.

Fenech was arraigned on Thursday in connection with dark web purchases of firearms and explosives in 2018. It had been confirmed in court that on 25 November 2018, Fenech attempted to purchase automatic weapons, cyanide, grenades, and 800 rounds of ammunition.

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