Melvin Theuma delivered some of the strongest remarks of his testimony so far on Saturday, telling jurors that Yorgen Fenech “made me kill Daphne Caruana Galizia” as defence lawyers continued to challenge him during cross-examination.Proceedings resumed before Madam Justice Edwina Grima, with defence lawyer Giannella de Marco questioning Theuma on his relationship with the Fenech family, his presidential pardon and a €2 million civil case filed against him by the Caruana Galizia family.One of the session’s most striking moments came when de Marco asked Theuma about seeking work from Ray Fenech, Yorgen Fenech’s uncle, after Yorgen was arrested and charged.Theuma confirmed that he had approached Ray Fenech. Speaking in a hoarse voice and sounding emotional, he told the court: “I don’t know why he picked me to do this for him. Madam Justice, I can’t take any more.”When de Marco suggested that Theuma continued turning to Yorgen Fenech for help because he knew Fenech had never harmed him, Theuma fired back with a blunt response.“He never did anything, except make me kill Daphne Caruana Galizia.”Earlier in the hearing, Theuma testified that Alfred Degiorgio, known as il-Fulu, decided who would and would not be involved in the murder plot.According to Theuma, Degiorgio instructed him not to mention the plan to Darren Debono, known as it-Topo, because he would not be taking part.The court also heard arguments over the scope of Theuma’s presidential pardon after de Marco questioned him about alleged drug-related activity involving Yorgen Fenech.Asked whether he had supplied drugs to Fenech, stored drugs in his taxi, sold drugs or handed over cocaine concealed inside a Pringles container, Theuma repeatedly replied: “I choose not to reply.”Following legal submissions from both sides, the court ruled that Theuma’s pardon is not a blanket one and applies only to specific offences listed within it. The judge warned that answers relating to offences outside the pardon could expose him to criminal prosecution.The hearing later shifted to the civil lawsuit filed against Theuma by the Caruana Galizia family.De Marco noted that Theuma had previously exchanged messages with Matthew and Paul Caruana Galizia and had even hugged Paul in court.“You’re able to hug Paul in court. With all this remorse, why aren’t you willing to pay this money?” she asked.“The remorse will stay with me for all my life. And yes, I hugged Paul,” Theuma replied. “But I want to leave my son with something after I die.”Theuma also confirmed that he had contacted Ray Fenech seeking financial assistance after being sued for €2 million.“I told him the Caruana Galizia family is suing me for €2 million. I’m worried about leaving my son penniless,” he said.According to Theuma, Ray Fenech never gave him any money.•