Morning Briefing
Schembri tipped off Yorgen Fenech on confidential police info, Court told
Keith Schembri tipped off Yorgen Fenech that Vince Muscat, one of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s hitmen, was cooperating with police, a court heard on Tuesday. Inspector Shaun Friggieri testified that Fenech had informed middleman Melvin Theuma about Muscat’s cooperation during a recorded conversation. Police traced a call from Schembri’s landline to Fenech’s mobile phone just before the meeting, suggesting he was the source of the leak. The prosecution argued that Schembri was the only one who could have known, as his involvement was required in discussions on Muscat’s presidential pardon. Schembri faces charges of perjury and breaching the Official Secrets Act. (Times of Malta)
Police increase patrols after spate of thefts
The police have increased patrols across all localities after receiving five theft reports between 22nd and 28th February. Lawyer Kris Borg had raised concerns on social media about a spike in burglaries targeting houses and villas between 7 PM and 10:30 PM, suggesting a professional gang was involved. Following this, The Malta Independent asked the police whether the thefts were linked and why no public notice had been issued. The police confirmed reports in Swieqi, Mosta, San Ġwann, Naxxar, and Mellieħa, stating that investigations are ongoing and police presence has been stepped up. (The Malta Independent)
NGOs urge European Socialists to reconsider stance on Malta’s inquiry reform
A group of Maltese civil society organisations has urged the European Parliament’s Socialist and Democrats (S&D) group to withdraw support for the Maltese Labour government’s proposed inquiry reforms, warning that they pose a serious threat to judicial transparency. In an open letter to S&D group president Iratxe Garcia-Perez, five leading NGOs—including the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Repubblika—expressed concern that Bill 125, a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, is a deliberate move to shield government officials from corruption investigations. The government had signalled its intention to reform the inquiry system following the VGH inquiry, which led to the arraignment of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and other senior officials. (Newsbook)