Malta Court Crushes Yorgen Fenech’s Drug Defense in Caruana Galizia Murder Case

# Court Rejects Yorgen Fenech’s Bid to Void Police Statements Over Drug Use

In a landmark ruling that has sent ripples through Malta’s legal and political landscape, the Criminal Court has dismissed Yorgen Fenech’s attempt to invalidate crucial police statements, rejecting claims that his alleged drug use during interrogation rendered them inadmissible.

The decision, delivered by Madame Justice Edwina Grima, marks a significant victory for the prosecution in Malta’s most high-profile murder case. Fenech, the businessman accused of masterminding journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s 2017 assassination, had argued that his consumption of cocaine during police questioning compromised his mental state and invalidated his statements.

## The Drug Use Controversy

The court heard how Fenech, 42, had admitted to using cocaine during breaks in his marathon interrogation sessions in November 2019. His legal team contended that this substance abuse, combined with sleep deprivation and psychological pressure, created conditions that violated his fundamental rights.

However, Justice Grima systematically dismantled these arguments, noting that Fenech had voluntarily consumed the drugs and that medical assessments conducted during his detention showed no impairment that would affect his cognitive abilities. The judge emphasized that Fenech had been repeatedly reminded of his right to remain silent and had access to legal counsel throughout the process.

“The accused’s decision to ingest illegal substances during police custody cannot retrospectively invalidate statements made with full awareness and legal representation,” the 45-page judgment stated.

## Cultural Significance in Maltese Context

This ruling resonates deeply within Malta’s collective consciousness, where the Caruana Galizia case has become a watershed moment in the nation’s democratic evolution. The journalist’s assassination exposed sinister connections between political power, big business, and organized crime, triggering unprecedented soul-searching among the Maltese populace.

For many islanders, Fenech’s drug use claims represented another attempt by the powerful to evade accountability. “It’s typical of those who believe they’re above the law,” remarked Maria Cassar, 56, a Valletta shopkeeper. “First they silence a journalist, then they try every trick to avoid facing justice.”

The case has become emblematic of Malta’s struggle against institutional corruption, with citizens demanding transparency and reform in a country where personal connections have historically trumped merit and justice.

## Community Impact and Public Reaction

The court’s decision has been met with cautious optimism by Malta’s activist community, who view it as a crucial step toward justice for Caruana Galizia. The journalist’s family has long campaigned for a thorough investigation, facing numerous obstacles and delays.

Pro-democracy activists gathered outside the law courts in Valletta, holding placards reading “Justice for Daphne” and “End Impunity.” The crowd, though modest in size, reflected a broader societal shift toward demanding accountability from Malta’s elite.

“This judgment sends a clear message that wealth and connections cannot shield you from justice,” said Manuel Delia, a prominent civil society activist. “It’s a small victory in our long fight for institutional reform.”

## Legal Implications

The ruling sets an important precedent for future cases involving suspects who claim diminished responsibility due to voluntary substance use. Legal experts suggest it reinforces the principle that individuals cannot manufacture conditions to invalidate their own statements.

Dr. Andrew Borg Cardona, a constitutional lawyer, explained: “The court has essentially said that if you choose to take drugs while in police custody, you cannot use that as a get-out-of-jail card. It’s a common-sense approach that protects the integrity of police investigations.”

## Looking Ahead

As Fenech’s trial approaches, this judgment removes a significant legal obstacle for prosecutors. The statements he gave to police, including alleged admissions about his role in the murder plot, will now form part of the evidence against him.

For Malta, still grappling with the implications of Caruana Galizia’s assassination, the court’s decision represents another chapter in a painful but necessary process of national reckoning. The case has already claimed political scalps and exposed systemic weaknesses in the island’s governance structures.

As the legal proceedings continue, many Maltese hope this ruling signals that their country is finally turning a corner, moving from a culture of impunity toward genuine accountability. Whether this transformation proves lasting remains to be seen, but for now, justice appears to be taking its course.