Updated with accused's testimony at 5.52pm
"I wish to see this type of democracy in my country" the alleged mastermind behind a human trafficking case, declared in open court today as he took the witness stand in his own trial.
Hadish Abayu, 58, of Ethiopian origin, explained how he left his homeland and settled in Sudan where he lived for 10 years. In 2003, he moved to Libya and two years later he travelled to Malta as one of a group of 181 illegal immigrants.
The witness stated that at the time of his trip to Malta, his wife and four children were already residing on the island.
Asked by the defence to recall that journey in September 2005, the witness declared that he had been one of 181 migrants who had boarded the boat from Libya.
The accused explained that before the journey the migrants had been divided into three groups. Since he spoke Arabic, he had been asked to collect money for the trip from 55 migrants. Having collected the funds he handed them over to the Libyan in charge, in the presence of the other migrants, the man declared.
The accused stated that the intention of all migrants was to go to Italy, but on the way they were informed that owing to some problem they were going to be taken to Malta instead.
The witness explained how, on catching the first glimpse of land, the migrants had mistaken it for Sicily, only to be informed that it was Malta. When intercepted by the Maltese forces, the migrants were transferred to another boat and escorted ashore, Mr Hadish recalled.
Regarding his alleged role as the organiser of the trip, the accused declared "You can judge me. Who I am." He affirmed that he had been tasked to collect money from the migrants, adding that he had received some $46,000 from 55 individuals. The accused declared that he himself had also paid $1,000 for the trip.
When the group reached Malta, several migrants turned upon him to get back the money paid by their friends who had been left behind, the accused explained.
Reference was also made by the accused to the time when he resided in Switzerland. This was when the Maltese authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant asking for his return to Malta so as to face criminal proceedings.
As the trial continues, the accused is expected to face cross-examination by the prosecution.
Earlier, the testimonies of 10 Eritrean migrants were read out in court. They said that they had paid money to Mr Hadish for a passage out of Libya with Italy being their final destination.
One witness explained that he had handed over $1,000 to the accused some three days before the scheduled crossing. Libyan contractors transported the immigrants to a waiting area on the Libyan coast, the court was told.
The witness further explained how some of his friends, who had also paid for a place on the boat, were left behind. The immigrants who made it to Malta on September 25, 2005 were allegedly angered by the fact their friends had been left behind in Libya. During the sea journey the immigrants had been informed they were going to Malta instead of Italy and that those left behind would follow on a later boat trip.
Another witness recalled how he had paid $2,400 for a passage to Italy for his brother and himself. He explained how Mr Hadish had gathered the migrants in Libya and accompanied them to the boat.
The court heard that the witness had also made it to Malta but his brother had been left behind. He recalled how after the journey, he began to call Mr Hadish, whom he considered to be the organiser of the boat trip, to recover the money paid for his brother's journey. The accused was at first helpful but then he allegedly declared that he could do nothing to help, the witness declared.
Yosef Zoru had testified that he had paid $1,000 to Mr Hadish and another $200 to a third party involved in the organisation of the trip from Libya. The witness mentioned a man called Osman who had allegedly prepared a waiting area for the migrants close to the Libyan coast.
The court was informed that on board the vessel on that fateful day there were Ethiopians, Eritreans, Egyptians and Sudanese migrants. The witness recalled that there were several Eritreans who were angry with Mr Hadish because their friends had been left behind even though they had paid for the journey.
The court was told that when the 181 immigrants were taken under custody by the Maltese authorities, some had written a joint letter to the accused demanding repayment of the money paid by their friends who had been stranded in Libya. They allegedly gave the accused time to resolve the issue and then, some months after their arrival in Malta, they reported the matter to the Maltese authorities.
Madam Justice Edwina Grima is presiding over the trial. Lawyer Vincienne Vella from the AG's office is prosecuting. Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace is defence counsel.