Defence tells jurors ‘all roads lead to Keith Schembri’
Defence lawyer Charles Mercieca has urged jurors in Yorgen Fenech’s trial to acquit his client if they have any reasonable doubt, arguing that the evidence presented points instead towards former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri. Mercieca spent much of Wednesday challenging the credibility of prosecution witness Melvin Theuma and criticising the police investigation. He described Theuma as an unreliable witness whose account contained serious inconsistencies and accused investigators of focusing on Fenech while disregarding evidence pointing towards other possible suspects. The defence lawyer also questioned the prosecution’s alleged motive, arguing that no direct evidence had been presented showing Fenech wanted journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia killed because of Electrogas or 17 Black. Fenech denies charges of complicity in Caruana Galizia’s murder. Mercieca repeatedly reminded jurors that prosecutors must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. (Times of Malta)
Malta joins growing international opposition to West Bank settlement plan
Malta has joined a growing group of countries condemning Israel’s plans to proceed with the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.According to an updated joint statement issued by the British government, Malta and Denmark have become signatories to an international declaration describing the publication of construction tenders for the project as unacceptable. The signatories warn that the development could further undermine prospects for a two-state solution by affecting Palestinian territorial continuity in the West Bank. The statement, initially backed by countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Norway, has since attracted support from several other European countries as well as Australia and New Zealand. It reiterates the international position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and calls for the E1 plans to be withdrawn and settlement expansion halted. (The Malta Independent)
PN launches consultation on Human Rights and Equality Bills
The Nationalist Party has launched an open consultation on the proposed Human Rights Commission and Equality Act, inviting social partners, civil society, professionals and members of the public to help shape its position. Submissions will remain open until 18 September, with the party seeking feedback on issues including the proposed commission’s independence and composition, the protection of fundamental rights, investigation and redress procedures, legal certainty and the legislation’s impact on different sectors. The PN said it supports stronger protection for human rights and action against discrimination but argued that legislation with wide-ranging consequences should be subject to meaningful consultation. It criticised the government’s handling of the Bills before Parliament’s summer recess, claiming there had been an attempt to accelerate their passage despite concerns raised by various organisations. The proposed legislation ultimately failed to secure the required two-thirds parliamentary majority. (Maltatoday)
