The hitman then recalled negotiations regarding the financial terms of the operation during that same meeting. "I told him it would cost €150,000 …" said George Degiorgio.
He claimed he inquired about other individuals who were privy to the assassination plans.
"I asked him [Cardona] who was involved and he said 'me, Keith, the commissioner and someone else'. He said he didn't know the other person."
According to George Degiorgio, Cardona claimed the journalist needed to be killed because of her reporting on the ruling Labour party administration.
He claimed Cardona later provided a €50,000 cash advance and assured him that police patrols near Caruana Galizia's residence would cease after the hitmen encountered a police car.
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"You can continue, police won't be passing from there anymore," Cardona allegedly said.
The initial shooting plot was eventually called off ahead of political elections on the instructions of Gatt, who allegedly told the hitmen to keep the advance payment.
"Keep the money, I'll sort it out," said Gatt.
During a heated exchange, the prosecution questioned George Degiorgio on why he had not mentioned Cardona and Schembri in relation to the successful 2017 bombing in his previous sworn testimonies.
He shouted at the prosecution and directed a warning to the jury before being fined €500 for contempt of court.
"Be careful," said George Degiorgio. The witness then mocked the penalty imposed by Judge Grima.
"Make it €1,000 instead of €500."
Cardona, Schembri, and Gatt have previously denied any involvement in the assassination of Caruana Galizia.
Following the hearing, the family of Caruana Galizia released a statement urging caution regarding the courtroom allegations.
"The defence appears to be inviting the jury to consider whether responsibility of Daphne's assassination lies elsewhere; that the mastermind is not Yorgen Fenech but rather Keith Schembri or Chris Cardona.
But allegations alone are not evidence."
The family emphasized that claims must be backed by credible proof to hold weight in a court of law.
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"No sufficient evidence has been presented in court showing that Keith Schembri or Chris Cardona paid for Daphne's assassination."
