Prosecution Tells Jury Fenech’s Alleged Role Was Decisive in Caruana Galizia Murder
Jurors in the trial of Yorgen Fenech were told on Thursday that journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia would still be alive had the businessman not allegedly financed her assassination. Addressing the court, prosecutor Anthony Vella argued that Fenech’s alleged involvement was central to the murder plot, urging jurors to remain focused on the charges against the accused despite the many names expected to emerge during the proceedings. The prosecution said Caruana Galizia was targeted because of her investigative work and described the killing as a carefully planned operation. Jurors heard claims that Fenech pressured middleman Melvin Theuma to hasten the attack as the journalist was preparing to publish information concerning him. The court also heard details about the bomb used in the assassination and allegations that additional funds were later provided to support the legal defence of two convicted hitmen. Fenech denies all charges. (Times of Malta)
Speaker Seeks Balance Between Parliament Security and Public Accessibility
Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela has said discussions will be held to determine whether changes can be made to the security barriers outside Parliament while ensuring the safety of MPs, employees and visitors. Replying to a parliamentary question, Abela said efforts would focus on finding the right balance between security requirements and public accessibility. The issue concerns the permanent crowd barriers positioned outside the Parliament building in Valletta, which have been in place for several years. Debate over the barriers has continued amid concerns that they detract from the openness of the building and the surrounding area. Parliament was designed to reflect transparency and accessibility, yet security considerations have remained a priority. Abela indicated that meetings would now be held to assess whether alternative arrangements could satisfy both security needs and the public’s expectation of easier access to the national legislature. (The Malta Independent)
Property Price Index Climbs 6.7% in First Quarter of 2026
Malta’s Property Price Index rose by 6.7% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office. The index reached 104.19, reflecting continued growth in residential property values across the country. Apartment prices recorded an annual increase of 6.9%, while maisonette prices rose by 5.3%. Compared with the final quarter of 2025, the overall index increased by 1.8%. The Property Price Index measures overall changes in property values and does not distinguish between newly built and existing homes. The latest figures continue a pattern of sustained annual growth recorded since 2020, underlining the resilience of Malta’s property market despite broader economic pressures. The data suggests demand for residential property remains strong, with prices continuing to edge higher on both a quarterly and annual basis. (Newsbook)
