An 18-year-old Somali Hal far open centre resident, Abdifaid Mahahdi Mahamud, was arraigned in court this afternoon and charged with holding a fellow Somali open centre resident – Hussein Mohamed Abikar – against his will, injuring him and the possession of a weapon without a license

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile, the police are on the lookout for another aggressor – of Somali origin – involved in the armed robbery.

On the night of 12 October, Mahamud held a knife to the throat of Mr Abikar while another Somali migrant felt free to rummage through Mr Abikar’s pockets, getting away with €225 in cash.

But the aggressors weren’t satisfied and following the robbery the two beat up their victim and fled.

Having identified his assailants, Mr Abikar reported the incident to the police. Mahamud was arrested but his accomplice is still on the loose.

Inspector Fabian Fleuri argued against the granting of bail since the accused himself stated he does not know where he resides.

Furthermore he said that has not been residing at the Open Centre for quite a while, and his accomplice is still on the run and the victim is still to testify.

The defence said that accusing a person does not imply he is guilty.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja denied the accused bail and remanded him in custody.

Police inspectors Kevin Pulis and Fabian Fleuri prosecuted while legal aid lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace defended the accused.

Source: Malta Independent