Men accused in Swieqi stabbing released on bail

Two Libyan men who had been held under arrest in connection with last month’s near-fatal stabbing in Swieqi, have been released on bail today as the compilation of evidence against them continued this afternoon.

Zouhir Elfezqa, 31, who lives in Swieqi and a second man, 21-year-old Mohammed Abdul Hafid Abukem, also of Swieqi are accused of the attempted murder of Wadea Al Maghrbi, 25, as well as inflicting grievous injuries on him and Mohamed Hafed Al-Arara on 30 January.

Al Maghrbi and Mohamed Abdul Hafid Abukem had called at an apartment occupied by Elfezqa and al-Arara that day. A confrontation with Elfezqa ensued, during which Al Maghrbi was stabbed and left in danger of dying.

Al-Maghrbi is undergoing separate proceedings, on charges of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on Elfezqa, causing him slight injuries, holding him against his will and carrying a knife without a police permit.

This afternoon, Dr Jonathan Joslyn testified that when he had treated him, Al Maghrbi had been “in stage 3 of 4 of hypovolemic shock caused by massive blood loss.” A branch of the femoral artery had been sliced into, explained the doctor.

Forensic expert Dr Mario Scerri testified to having examined photographs of the wound, which had been handed to him by Joslyn as Scerri had arrived after they had been sutured. The single stab wound was compatible with a single-edged blade, Scerri said.

Later that day, he had inspected Elfezqa, whom he identified in court. Elfezqa had a cut on his chin and a bruise to his spine, Scerri confirmed. Three abrasions on the back of his thigh, compatible with a pointed object were also found and the seat of his jeans had been ripped in a manner compatible with the abrasions, the doctor added.

The court, presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli, granted Abukem and Al Magharbi bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €13,000. Elfezqa had already been released on bail during a previous sitting.

Police inspectors James Grech and Elton Taliana are prosecuting. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for Elfezqa, whilst lawyer Martin Fenech represented Abukem. Giannella De Marco appeared for Al Wadea.