Government Accepts PN’s Request For Parliamentary Debate After Yorgen Fenech Verdict

Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the nation and the press from Castille on Thursday, following the verdict in the trial over the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

On Wednesday, a nine-member jury found Yorgen Fenech not guilty, by eight votes to one, of complicity in Caruana Galizia’s 2017 murder and of criminal association.

Abela confirmed that the Labour Government has accepted the Opposition’s request for a parliamentary debate, which will take place tomorrow, saying the government will enter it “with its head held high”.

However, he criticised Opposition Leader Alex Borg’s approach since the verdict, describing it as irresponsible and partisan and accusing the Opposition of attempting to score political points from a sensitive national moment.

Abela said he has neither met nor contacted Borg following the verdict, with the two sides instead set to debate the matter in Parliament tomorrow.

Asked for his personal view on the jury’s decision, Abela said he has an opinion but will not express it. He stressed that it is not his role as Prime Minister to judge whether jurors made the right or wrong decision, saying their verdict must be respected.

On Melvin Theuma’s presidential pardon, Abela said this was not the moment to debate the issue. However, should a proposal concerning the pardon be formally presented to Cabinet, he said it would be discussed and considered.

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence in the magistrate and police continuing their work in relation to the Caruana Galizia case. The court has ordered evidence heard during Fenech’s trial to be passed to police and included in ongoing inquiries for further examination.

Abela also confirmed that the government’s planned 100-day celebration will not go ahead in light of the current national mood.

#MaltaDaily