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Witness Grilled in Murder Trial; Security Measures, Gaming Probe Unfold

The high-profile Yorgen Fenech murder trial saw further intense cross-examination of self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma, who admitted to having lied in some instances during his testimony but continued to insist on Fenech's alleged mastermind role. The court heard new statements suggesting threats to the victim during the proceedings.

In a separate development, new security measures have been implemented in Swieqi, including police patrols and the deployment of Armed Forces personnel to tackle growing complaints about anti-social behavior. However, the President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, Tony Zahra, has publicly criticized the deployment of soldiers, labeling it an 'extreme measure'.

Further news includes a new investigation launched by Curaçao authorities into former Malta Gaming Authority chief Mario Galea over alleged payments totaling €4 million to his consultancy firm. Additionally, Malta has recorded the highest increase in household energy consumption within the EU since 2015, while Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg registered as an organ donor on World Organ Donation Day.

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Fenech Murder Trial Cross-Examination Intensifies

The Yorgen Fenech murder trial continues with intense cross-examination of self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma by the defense lawyers. Theuma admitted to lying in some instances during his testimony, attributing it to his compromised state of mind, but maintained his assertion that Yorgen Fenech was the mastermind behind Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder. The court heard statements about potential threats to the victim, and Theuma reiterated that his secret recordings with Fenech saved him…

Swieqi Security Measures and MHRA Opposition

Police are actively patrolling Swieqi's streets and issuing fines to address increasing complaints about anti-social behavior, including shirtless tourists and vandalism. In response to these concerns, the Armed Forces have been deployed to boost nighttime security. However, Tony Zahra, President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, has criticized this deployment as an 'extreme measure,' arguing that tackling anti-social behavior should remain the sole responsibility of the police.

Former MGA Chief Under Probe for €4 Million Payments

Curaçao authorities have launched an investigation into former Malta Gaming Authority chief Mario Galea concerning alleged payments exceeding €4 million annually to his consultancy firm, Random Consulting Limited. Curaçao's finance minister announced the probe, questioning the substantial fees paid to the company for its work in the country's online gambling industry reform.

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