The trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech is to resume this morning with further testimony on the extensive digital investigation which enabled investigators to trace the plot leading to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.
After tetinomy by lead investigator Keith Arnaud, towards the end of the week the trial shifted away from the forensic evidence gathered at the Bidnija bomb scene and focused instead on the vast digital investigation that followed Galizia's assassination, with the defence mounting an extensive bid to broaden the electronic evidence presented before the jury.
Fenech, 44, has pleaded not guilty to two principal charges: complicity in the wilful homicide of Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder.
Five men have already been convicted in connection with Caruana Galizia's assassination. Vince Muscat admitted his role in the murder in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Alfred and George Degiorgio each received 40-year prison sentences after pleading guilty in 2022, while Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025 for supplying the bomb used in the attack.
The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyers Godwin Cini, Anthony Vella and Danika Vella, assisted by Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud and Inspector Kurt Zahra. Fenech is represented by lawyers Charles Mercieca, Gianella Demarco and Gianluca Caruana Curran, while lawyers Therese Comodini Cachia and Jason Azzopardi are appearing parte civile on behalf of the Caruana Galizia family.
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9:51 The bachelor party that former minister Chris Cardona attended is the next focus for the defence.
Cardona had previously denied meeting any of the men accused of murdering Caruana Galizia outside the courtroom. However, photos emerged showing Cardona and Alfred Degiorgio at the party.
The court discusses this photo.
However, Bajada insists he cannot confirm whether the two individuals in the image are in fact Cardona and Degiorgio.
9:47 The defence turns to emails recovered from Daphne Caruana Galizia's accounts which specifically mention Keith Schembri and Chris Cardona.
The witness confirms that Schembri was mentioned in approximately 237 emails, while Cardona appeared in around 274 emails.
9:44 The defence asks similar questions about Johann Cremona's number in Schembri's address book.
Johann Cremona was an associate of Melvin Theuma.
Cremona's number was saved under the name ix-Xlukkajr in Schembri's phone.
De Marco announces to the court that the defence is in possession of a screenshot of a signal message sent from Xlukkajr to Schembri.
"Ejja minn hemm (Let's go)," the message reads, to which Schembri replies "Yes!"
9:31 Two of Keith Schembri's phones were seized and analysed, Bajada says (neither is the one that went missing at 5am before police came knocking).
Defence lawyer Gianella De Marco's questions focus on Keith Schembri's address book.
She asks Bajada to confirm that the contact, named ir-Rukkell, is the registered number of Kenneth Camilleri.
"I don't want to be annoying, but it's obvious," Bajada replies, noting that his report is being exhibited in court with all the relevant details.
Regardless, the defence intends to confirm several details.
9:11 IT expert Martin Bajada is to continue being cross-examined by the defence.
9:01 Judge Edwina Grima has entered the courtroom. The sitting is about to start.