Asylum seeker who attacked Hal Far staff remanded in custody

A court has remanded a Libyan man in custody, after he was arraigned this morning on charges of attacking staff at the Hal Far detention centre.

Khallefah Aljeelai Aljamie Alhaaj, 32, of Benghazi was arraigned before magistrate Joe Mifsud, charged with causing slight injuries to a guard, and attacking him and four of his colleagues – including a woman, who is believed to be a social worker.

The charges against Alhaaj included carrying a knife in public without a licence and with being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

From personal experience, I know how hard AWAS (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers) work,” Joe Mifsud said. “An assault on them is not acceptable.”

Lawyer Patrick Valentino explained that there had been an argument during which one man was bruised. “Are you going to send a man to prison over a bruise?” he asked.

Prosecuting police inspector Johann Fenech informed the court that he had no objection to a suspended sentence were the accused to plead guilty, but this did not go down well with the magistrate.

“In court, the prosecution and defence can agree all they like, but I will not be giving a suspended sentence. He is a guest in our country and is receiving our help, you cannot attack and beat up people who are helping you.”



Valentino attempted to play down the severity of the attack, pointing out that a security guard, and not the social worker, had been injured. However, the court said this made no difference.

Magistrate Mifsud reminded the defence that he had personally been fighting for the rights of refugees for many years and fully understood the problems they faced, but there was no justification for the violence.

“While receiving all the help he needs, he cannot then attack those who are trying to help him.”

The Libyan pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court ordered that he be remanded in custody until the case is assigned to a magistrate.