Hugo Chetcuti murder case now rests with Attorney General

The compilation of evidence against Bojan Cmelik, accused with the murder of businessman Hugo Chetcuti, concluded today with the magistrate passing on the acts of the case to the Attorney General to issue a bill of indictment

23 January 2019, 1:14pm
by Matthew Agius / Kurt Sansone

1 min read

Bojan Cmelik is escorted to court under heavy-armed guard

The compilation of evidence against Bojan Cmelik, the man accused with the murder of businessman Hugo Chetcuti, has ended and it is now upto the Attorney General to issue a bill of indictment.

A doctor, who was supposed to be the prosecution's last witness, could not testify today because he is studying overseas. However, his testimony was not deemed necessary, given that he only acted as assistant to the surgeon who operated on Chetcuti.

Doctors who treated Chetcuti in hospital testified during the last sitting on 9 January.

Chetcuti, a well-known entrepreneur, died in hospital after he was stabbed by Bojan Cmelik, a Serbian national, in Paceville in July 2018.

The Serb, who was a former employee at one of Chetcuti’s establishments, had been arrested in Sliema after a chase by the police.

Magistrate Marsanne Farrugia presided over the compilation of evidence. Cmelik's defence is legal aid lawyer Ishmael Psaila, however, lawyer Dunstan Camilleri appeared for him today. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared parte civile for the victim's family. Inspector Nikolai Sant prosecuted..

13:30 The sitting is over. Kurt Sansone

13:29 The court orders that the records of the case be sent to the AG. If the AG decides to issue a bill of indictment, the man will be tried by jury. This is considered likely by most legal professionals. Kurt Sansone

13:27 Inspector Elliot Magro informs the magistrate that the prosecution has no further witnesses. Kurt Sansone

13:26 Dr Camenzuli was an assistant to Dr Alex Attard, who testified in great detail throughout the proceedings. Kurt Sansone

13:26 Giglio further notes that in view of this state of affairs, it is recommended that the AG does not continue to insist on calling this witness. Kurt Sansone

13:25 Giglio explains that the doctor is furthering his studies in the UK and will be away for a whole year. This information was passed on to him by Inspector Nikolai Sant. Kurt Sansone

13:23 The court corrects the doctor's name: it's Christian Camenzuli. Kurt Sansone

13:22 Lawyer Joe Giglio, who is appearing for the victim’s family, said he was informed by the police that the one doctor remaining to testify – Stephen Camenzuli – was no longer in Malta. He drew the attention of the Attorney General to this fact. Kurt Sansone

13:18 The accused has just been led into the courtroom surrounded by heavily armed guards. He looks down while seated. Kurt Sansone

13:16 We are live from the courtroom reporting on the compilation of evidence against Bojan Cmelik. Kurt Sansone

Matthew Agius was Senior Reporter on Law and Court Affairs at MaltaToday from 2014 to 2024...

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Kurt Sansone is Executive Editor of MaltaToday. He was formerly deputy editor of MaltaTod...