Marsalforn murder trial: witnesses recount events leading to fatal stabbing

Updated at 4pm

Second victim tells court he was injured while trying to stop fight that led to fatal Marsalforn stabbing.

A bar owner from a nearby establishment testified that at around 9pm, while her main door was open, she heard shouting from outside.

There were only a few patrons inside at the time. Two tourists had been standing outside smoking. They told her that “someone had thrown a chair out of the apartment”.

The witness said she went outside but did not see any chairs. Instead, she observed a group of around seven men across the road shouting in a language that was neither English nor Maltese.

One of the men appeared to be rummaging through a neighbouring construction site.

She said she only observed the scene briefly, as her priority was to bring her customers inside.

However, she recalled seeing one individual holding what appeared to be a long piece of wood, though she did not see where it came from. 

Earlier altercation discussed at café

Maher Aljasem also faces charges of causing slight injuries to another man, Kazem Abdalaa, whose testimony was read out in court.

Abdalaa, a Syrian national who has lived in Malta for around seven years and had been in Gozo for approximately two months at the time, was involved in the altercation and sustained injuries later identified as slash wounds.

He said he had been at home during the day and was unaware of any issues until later. 

At around 6.30pm, he went to a café in Marsalforn, where he heard that Najem and Aljasem had been involved in a fight earlier that morning. He said he did not know the reason for the dispute.

He was told that three individuals had beaten Najem.

According to Abdalaa, Najem said that if Aljasem went to the café, he would fight him, adding that he did not want to go to the police.

Confrontation at residence

Abdalaa said that after some time, Najem went towards the residence. He followed him, urging him not to go there to fight.

He described Najem as calm at that point, but said he was looking for Aljasem, recalling words to the effect of: “I want Maher.”

He testified that another individual then struck Najem on the arm. He said Aljasem arrived holding a chair and also struck Najem on the arm.

A fight then broke out involving multiple individuals. Abdalaa said Najem was alone, while the others were two, and he tried to hold one of them back.

Incident continues inside garage

The altercation then moved into a garage area near the residence.

Abdalaa said he went inside in an attempt to get Najem out. He told the court that he tried to restrain Aljasem to allow Najem to leave, but was struck during the incident.

“I don’t know what he did,” the witness said, adding that it was dark inside.

He said he felt blows to his arm and believed Aljasem had “something” in his hand, “perhaps something jagged”, though he could not identify it.

Victim assisted out of garage

Abdalaa said he told Najem to leave the garage, but Najem replied that he could not walk, saying: “I’ve been struck.”

The witness said he then assisted him towards a nearby playing fitTeld, supporting him as they moved.

Blood observed on clothing

While at the playing field, Abdalaa said he spoke to Najem for several minutes, asking what had happened and where he was injured.

Najem repeatedly said his head hurt.

The witness said he noticed blood on Najem’s white clothing.

Arrangements made to go to hospital

After a few minutes, other individuals arrived. Abdalaa said he informed them that Najem was injured and unable to get up.

A decision was taken to transport him to hospital by car, and one of the group left to get a vehicle.

Abdalaa said he intended to accompany them but first went home to change. On his way, he realised he had also been injured.

He called his cousin to take him to hospital, waiting approximately half an hour before being picked up.

Multiple individuals present

Under questioning, Abdalaa confirmed that several individuals had entered the garage at different points.

He described one as tall with long hair but said he did not know the identities or surnames of those involved.

He maintained that he did not see what object was used during the stabbing.

All jurors were provided with copies of the testimonies.