Man thought to be linked to Souleymane murder granted bail

A man, 25, accused of aggravated possession of drugs and munitions and thought by police to be linked to the cold-blooded murder of Lassana Cisse Souleymane on Triq il-Gebel in Hal Far last April was granted bail.

A witness representing the Customs department took to the stand and he confirmed that a letter was sent to prosecute the man on 17 May 2017. 

The accused was charged with the trafficking of cannabis, aggravated possession of cocaine and the possession of munitions, which the court declared were “very serious accusations.”

The man pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence asked for bail on the basis of the accused cooperating fully with authorities. The prosecution replied by saying that a joint operation with the Drug Squad intercepted the accused because they suspected he might be linked to the Hal Far murder of Lassana Cisse Souleymane. In the process, Police discovered weapons, including a crossbow, and drugs in the man's residence.

“Yes, he did fully cooperate with the investigation. We believe that [the man] being granted bail will not infringe upon the investigation. He sped the investigations because the accused chose to do so due to full cooperation,” the prosecution said. 

The court decided to grant bail on this basis and said that the name of the accused should not be published. He was granted bail with a deposit of €3,500 and a personal guarantee of €15,000.

Josette Demicoli was presiding magistrate.

Inspectors Kevin Pulis and Mario Sciberras prosecuted.

Gianella de Marco was defence counsel.