After nearly nine years, the trial of Yorgen Fenech for the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has officially begun.

The first witnesses are set to be heard today, the second sitting.

The opening day at the Valletta law courts was largely procedural, centred on the selection of nine jurors and six substitutes, who have now been placed in isolation - stripped of all technology to ensure a verdict reached without external influence. Judge Edwina Grima emphasised that Fenech, who has pleaded not guilty to complicity in wilful homicide and criminal association, is presumed innocent, with the burden of proof resting firmly on the prosecution.

The bill of indictment alleges that Fenech commissioned the 2017 murder through middleman Melvin Theuma, providing €150,000 for the hit.

Five others have already been convicted for their roles in the bombing, with sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.

The proceedings have drawn significant global attention, with international media outlets and press freedom advocates closely monitoring the case as a potential turning point for justice in Malta.

As the trial moves into its second day, the Attorney General's team is set to open their case and begin the presentation of evidence at 9am, marking the start of the core legal arguments in this landmark trial.

10:19 The defence and prosecution are currently threshing out some legal points.

The jurors are not yet in the courtroom.

They cannot enter while these legal points are being discussed, as they are the judges of facts only.

09:59 Judge Edwina Grima enters the courtroom.

Everyone in the courtroom stands up as the judge takes her place.

09:56 Defence lawyers Charles Mercieca and Giannella de Marco, AG lawyer Godwin Cini and parte civile lawyer Jason Azzopardi, have just exited the judge's chambers and entered the courtroom.

They have now joined those already in court: parte civile lawyer Therese Comodini Cachia, AG lawyers Anthony Vella and Danica Vella, and defence lawyer Gianluca Caruana Curran.

All lawyers are now assembled in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, the gallery is becoming more and more packed with people as we edge closer to the start of today's session.

09:34 We are still waiting for this morning's session to get under way, but here is what we can anticipate happening.

The prosecution is expected to give its opening statement.

During this statement, the prosecution will set out its version of events, explain the evidence it intends to rely on, introduce the main witnesses, and tell the jury what it says that evidence will prove.

09:05 Up in the gallery of Hall 22, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. The gallery is filled with law students, two sketch artists, journalists, and police.

Down below, some lawyers, court marshals, and other court employees are already in place.

The 15 jury seats, waiting to be filled by the nine jurors and six substitutes, are all lined up and ready to go.

Each spot has been prepared for the long haul ahead, complete with a bright yellow file, papers, and a large two-litre bottle of water to get them through what promises to be a gruelling session.