The compilation of evidence against Yorgen Fenech regarding the purchase of weapons from the dark web began this morning, in a sitting held behind closed doors.

When the case was called before Magistrate Nadine Lia this morning, Police Inspector Omar Zammit requested that the evidence not be heard in public. Investigations were still ongoing and witnesses have to be protected, he said.

The defence did not object and left it up to the court to decide.

Magistrate Lia, in view of what the inspector had said and the sensitivity of the evidence which was to be heard, upheld the request and ordered the case be heard behind closed doors.

Fenech, the man accused of plotting the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, stands charged with purchasing weapons in breach of the Arms Act and without having the necessary licence from the Police Commissioner.

It had been confirmed in court that on 25 November 2018, Fenech attempted to purchase automatic weapons, cyanide, grenades and some 800 rounds of ammunition.

Fenech is pleading not guilty to all charges.

Lawyers Gianluca Caruana Curran, Charles Mercieca and Marion Camilleri acted as defence counsel.