A Libyan refugee has been remanded in custody after being charged with assaulting staff members with a knife at the Hal Far open centre two days ago.  

Khalleefah Aljeelai Aljamie Alhaaj, 32, of Benghazi, was this morning charged with reviling, threatening and assaulting security guards as well as social workers employed with the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers, which manages this open centre. He was also accused of inflicting slight injuries to one employee, carrying a knife and being drunk.

Asked by the court whether he was pleading guilty or not, the accused took his time, saying he wanted to consult with his legal aid lawyer first. On his part Magistrate Joe Mifsud made it clear that such acts against public officers and others tasked to ensure their wellbeing while being offered protection in Malta, were “unacceptable”.  The court added that it wanted to convey a strong message against such behaviour, and was consequently considering an effective jail term.

In his submissions, legal aid lawyer Patrick Valentino argued that his client had filed an apology and had repented. He added that sending somebody to jail for causing a “minor bruise” on an AWAS employee was a disproportionate measure. On its part, the prosecution, led by senior police inspector Johann J Fenech, said it had no objection to a suspended jail term if the Libyan pleaded guilty.

Nevertheless, Magistrate Joe Mifsud insisted that an effective jail term would be the right deterrent especially when taking into consideration that the defendant had no means to pay a fine.

At this stage, the Libyan pleaded not guilty. No request for bail was filed.