Man to face human trafficking charges after nine years on the run

An Ethiopian man who spent nine years on the run from Maltese police on people smuggling charges, has been arraigned this morning after he was extradited from Switzerland.

Hadush Abayu Kidanu, 58, had been on the run after absconding from the Maltese islands after compilation proceedings concluded. He had been awaiting trial by jury at the time of his escape and was apprehended in his adopted home of Switzerland last November after an international arrest warrant was issued. The man was then extradited to Malta.

Inspector Mario Haber charged Kidanu with breaching bail and travelling without a passport, explaining that the accused had embarked at Malta International Airport without a valid passport. The inspector also exhibited a copy of the international arrest warrant in court.

Speaking in Amharic through a translator, the accused pleaded guilty to the charges .

Magistrate Charmaine Galea explained that the court was going to confiscate his Lm5,000 (€11,700) guarantee for breaching bail.

“I understand that I left Malta without permission and that it was a mistake,” said the accused.

Inspector Haber added that the accused had cooperated with the police and had admitted his guilt early on, but observed that “the punishments are what they are.”

The court revoked Kidanu’s bail and ordered his re-arrest so he can stand trial. For the breach of bail, the man was sentenced to a month's imprisonment and had his bail guarantee confiscated.

Lawyer Francine Abela was legal aid to the accused.