Tears in court as Eritrean apologises for lying to Refugee Commissioner

An Eritrean man broke down in tears as he pleaded guilty to making a false declaration to the Refugee Commissioner

Understanding the man's circumstances, the court handed the man a suspended sentence
Understanding the man's circumstances, the court handed the man a suspended sentence

An Eritrean man has apologised in court after he appeared under arrest, charged with making a false declaration to the Office of the Refugee Commissioner in a desperate bid to be granted humanitarian protection.

Inspector Darren Buhagiar said that the accused had been in Malta since 2012 and had tried to change his identity after his original claim for asylum was rejected.

After pleading guilty, Alex Teklu Haylemariam broke down in tears as he explained how he had been trying to obtain refugee status for five years, but had been rejected as he was born in Ethiopia. “I was born in Ethiopia but I am from Eritrea ... I am sorry.”

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale informed the sobbing Eritrean that while his frustration was understandable, it didn't justify him lying to the authorities.

The court found him guilty. After taking into account the man's circumstances, however, Haylemariam was sentenced to imprisonment for six months suspended for two years, also receiving a stern warning that this incident was not to be repeated.