Accused of involvement in illegal migration

Gamil Abu Bakr, a 36-year-old Sudanese who has Maltese citizenship, was yesterday remanded in custody after he was charged with assisting illegal immigrants to leave Malta.

The police are alleging that Mr Abu Bakr assisted four Indian nationals to escape from Malta on December 5.

The Indians had come to Malta illegally and were being detained at Hal Safi. They escaped from custody about two-and-a-half months ago and tried to leave the country on Monday.

The police say they left on a small boat from Grand Harbour but their boat stalled when they were about three kilometres offshore. They called 112 and a patrol boat was sent to rescue them.

Following investigations, the police arrested Mr Abu Bakr who has been charged with assisting and associating himself with others to help people escape from Malta.

Police Inspector Mario Haber prosecuted.

Lawyer Anthony Cutajar appeared for the accused.