Attempt to steal khat ‘caused’ Ħal Far open centre tribal fight

The fight at Ħal Far open centre on Sunday was sparked off by arguments between different tribes over the recently-legalised khat, a magistrate was told yesterday.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli said the fight developed after a number of migrants resident at the Marsa open centre went to Ħal Far and tried to steal khat from a different tribe. Khat consists of fresh leaves of a flowering shrub found in East Africa that produces a stimulant effect when chewed.

Mustaf Abdi Bihi, 24, appeared before Magistrate Jacqueline Pad-ovani accused of seriously injuring Hussein Ali Omar when he threw stones at him. Mr Bihi pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000. He was also ordered to sign the bail book at the Żurrieq police station twice a day.

In a second arraignment, Fakariye Alaf Hasan, 20, was accused of the attempted murder of Abdi Risaq Farah and pleaded not guilty. Inspector Portelli said the victim was in imminent danger of dying, having been stabbed in his left side.

He was remanded in custody.

Lawyer Martin Fenech appeared for Mr Bihi.

Lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for Mr Hasan.