Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536175
KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt 2 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 JUNE 2025 NEWS Maksar verdict strengthens prosecution's JURORS took less than 24 hours to deliver guilty verdicts against four men involved in the murders of journalist Daphne Caru- ana Galizia and lawyer Carmel Chircop. But as much as the guilty verdicts were clear and unambiguous, the nine-per- son jury also delivered an unequivocal message: 'We believe Vince Muscat and Melvin Theuma.' This message strengthens the prosecu- tion's hand in the pending trial of Yorgen Fenech, accused of masterminding Carua- na Galizia's murder in October 2017. Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, was given a presidential pardon for his involvement in the 2015 Chircop murder on condition that he tells all he knows. He also bene- fitted from a plea bargain in the Caruana Galizia murder case in exchange for infor- mation on the bomb suppliers. In February 2021, Muscat, who was one of three hitmen to be charged with the journalist's assassination, Chapter 1 in the saga, had pleaded guilty to his involvement and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Muscat was the prosecution's star wit- ness throughout the trial by jury of broth- ers Adrian and Robert Agius, known as Tal-Maksar, and their associates Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio, known as Iċ- Ċiniż. This was Chapter 2 in the Caruana Galizia murder case. The only link Muscat's testimony was the only link be- tween the bomb that killed Caruana Gal- izia and the suspected suppliers, Robert Agius and Jamie Vella. Defence lawyers tried to exploit this by questioning Mus- cat's credibility and trying to depict him as a desperate man who was willing to say anything in exchange for the presidential pardon. The defence argued the pardon was politically motivated and unjustly prejudiced the case against their clients. But the strategy failed. Jurors believed Muscat and found Agi- us and Vella each guilty by eight votes to one—in judicial circles this is deemed to be a unanimous verdict—of complicity in Caruana Galizia's murder and possession of dangerous explosives. In the Chircop murder case, Muscat's Adapt or be left behind ON 12th June 2025, 9H and FreeHour are teaming up for a high-impact morning event that cuts through the noise surrounding artificial intelli- gence. Titled "Adapt or Be Left Behind: AI Is Reshaping Everything," the session will explore how Gen Z views AI in the workplace, and unveil how 9H is already delivering bold, real-world AI execution. Hosted at Eden Cinemas, the event kicks off with breakfast and networking, followed by two keynote sessions. First up, Robin Cleland, global brand strategist and trusted advisor to some of the world's biggest brands, will unpack exclusive insights from FreeHour's latest nation- al survey on Gen Z and AI. The data paints a striking picture, revealing that Gen Z may be AI-native, but they're navi- gating this shift largely alone. While 80% of respondents say they use AI tools weekly, 71% feel under prepared by the current education system, with only 16% feel ready for the world of work. On the up- side, 95% of Gen Z are actively trying to upskill. The second keynote comes from 9H's Chief AI Officer, Mauro Pirrone, who will demo how 9H is using AI to solve real business problems today, with transparency, control, and zero hype. Ex- pect a grounded, honest look at how businesses can move from theory to execution. The event targets business leaders, clients, and industry movers looking to under- stand what's next and how to stay ahead. FreeHour will be providing breakfast, drinks, and free parking for all at- tendees. AI isn't the future. It's now. For those who still think AI is "coming soon" this event is proof it's already here. Regis- ter here as spaces are limited. Decoding Gen Z and the future of AI at work THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Guilty: (From left to right) Robert Agius, Jamie Vella, George Degiorgio and Adrian Agius (Photos: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)