The compilation of evidence against three men accused of killing journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia starts today before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech.

Brothers Alfred Degiorgio and George Degiorgio, and Vince Muscat, pleaded not guilty to the car bomb murder on October 16.

9.54am: Magistrate asked how the link will effect fair hearing so that she can decide on recusal. Legal aid Fenech repeated that justice must not just be done but be seen to be done. “Suspects must feel comfortable on whoever they are being presided over. If there could be some kind of ramification because of this link, the accused should have peace of mind that nothing will impinge on the court’s decision”

9.51: Suspects feel that there is a link which they described as ‘closeness’, a description to which magistrate objected. Legal aid Francine Abela said that it is not about them being in class thirty years ago, but the exchange of condolences which makes the defense uncomfortable.

9.50am: Defence is requesting magistrate is replaced as the suspects feel ‘uncomfortable’ with the link. Legal aid Benjamin Valenzia said that they would like to avoid fair hearing issues down the line.

9.49am: Legal aids are making a joint verbal statement: after consulting with suspects they wish that the magistrate is changed in light of the declaration. Legal aid Marin Fenech said that justice must not just be done but must be seen to be done. 

9.48am: Prosecution Philip Galea Farrugia declared it has no objection with Magistrate Donatella hearing the case.

9.40am: Magistrate declared that she used to be in the same same class as one of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sisters. They used to wish each other happy birthday and after they both lost a family member in the same week they exchanged condolences. The sitting is suspended to allow the accused to discuss whether they feel this constitutes a conflict of interest.

9.37am: George Degiorgio confirmed that Benjamin Valenzia will be his legal aid. Dr Martin Fenech will be legal aid for Vince Muscat. Dr Francine Abela will be legal aid for Alfred Degiorgio.

9.35am: Magistrate Frendo Dimech  explained to the suspects that legal proceedings at this stage are not final, that it will be a jury that will ultimately decide and she urged them to use a lawyer.

9.30am: Suspects brought into the courtroom. Benjamin Valenzia is appeared as legal aid to George Degorgio. Therese Comodini Cachia is appearing as parte civile for the Caruana Galizia family.

8.50am: The three accused have arrived in court under heavy escort.

Daphne Caruana Galizia's husband Peter and her parents are present for the sitting.

Daphne murder compilation of evidence from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.

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