Libyan feud reaches Malta as incensed tribesmen clash in St Julians

Two Libyan men from different tribes were this morning handed an 18-month imprisonment term suspended for three years after they admitted to grievously injuring each other following an argument sparked by the ongoing political turmoil and the infighting between rival militias in Libya.

The court heard how on 9 August, 22-year-old Sofyan Salem, from Tripoli, and 29-year-old Fathi Ahmed Al Gamudi, from Misurata, clashed in St Julian’s at around 5:30am.

Currently, Misurata militias are fighting for the control of the troubled nation, and have also targeted the Tripoli airport to be able to control imports and exports.

Presided by Magistrate Miriam Hayman, the court also heard that the argument reached boiling point after the two men started throwing glass bottles at each other as well as punches.

Both Salem and Al Gamudi suffered grievous injuries at the hands of one another. They were hospitalised, where they were certified to be have injuries to their arm, head and face.

In reprimanding the accused for their fighting, Magistrate Hayman insisted that while the ongoing civil war in Libya is “not ideal, it should not be brought to Malta.”

“God willing that the fighting in Libya stops as there is nothing better than peace, but any clashes and political turmoil should stay in Libya and not spill over to Malta.”

“They barely know what they are fighting about, people do not learn from history,” she added.

Both men pleaded guilty to fighting and grievously injuring each other. The defence, told the court that it was an “unfortunate incident,” brought about by the political turmoil in Libya.

Moreover, the defence held that the two men, who are students in Malta, have since apologised to each other and have buried the hatchet. Taking this into account, the Magistrate handed the men an 18-month imprisonment term suspended for three years.

Lawyer Leon Bencini appeared for Sofyan Salem, while Lawyer Noel Bartolo was legal aid for Al Gamudi. Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted.