'They want to leave but cannot'

Three foreign men yesterday admitted to travelling on false documents in an emotional arraignment during which one of the accused knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

Nigerian Ibrahim Mumuni, 22, could not stop weeping into his red handkerchief as he was imprisoned for six months together with Gambian Suleiman Baddie, 26, who on the other hand showed no emotion.

Ivorian Mohammed Sangare, 29, was meanwhile sent to jail for nine months because this was the second time he was caught travelling on false documents.

Inspector Nezren Grixti told Magistrate Anthony Vella they were arrested at the sea passenger terminal on Sunday when they tried boarding the ferry to Sicily using false Italian passports, identification cards and residence permits.

Although he said the accused would plead guilty, lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores explained that they had done all they could to leave the island.

"It is ironic that they were arrested for entering the island but also for trying to leave. They want to leave but they can't," he said.

Magistrate Vella said that although it was indeed very ironic and also very sad, the law was the law and his hands were tied.

"You have to understand that you can't break the law," he continued, as Mr Mumuni turned to the three policemen escorting the foreigners and asked for mercy, only to be turned away. "But if you behave in prison your sentences will be reduced by one third," the magistrate added.

"They don't realise they are shooting themselves in the foot," he said as he turned to Inspector Grixti and Dr Porsella Flores, "I sincerely sympathise with them because it is a big human tragedy. If you're desperate, you're desperate".

The three were living at the open centre in Ħal Far.