Syrian charged with injuring police officer granted bail

Mohammed Dag, a 37-year-old Syrian man residing in Pembroke, was today granted bail after pleading not guilty to threatening to kill a fellow Syrian and of threatening and attacking two police officers.

The court heard how Dag went to the St Julian’s police station requesting that the police investigates a certain Ahmed Illewi for allegedly taunting his wife.

At this time, the accused is said to have threatened and attacked a police sargeant and constable stationed at the police station after they allegedly ignored Dag's plea.

Dag is also accused of disobeying police orders, of breaching public peace and good order, and of relapsing.

“This country welcomed you with open arms, and you have been integrated into society. This is not the first time that you have faced charges before the court," presiding Magistrate Carol Peralta said.

“You have been involved in several similar crimes in the past, and once you attacked a doctor. This is not right.”

Prosecuting inspector Elton Taliana requested that the court remands the accused in custody, claiming that the fact that he is Syrian fuels fear of absconding.

Defence lawyer John Gauci however argued that his client has been in Malta since 1999, is married to a Maltese woman and is currently expecting his third child.

In his decree, Magistrate Peralta granted bail, arguing that the accused’s confinement would have adversely affected his pregnant wife.

Consequently, the court upheld the defence’s request for bail against a deposit of €1000 and a personal guarantee of €2000.

Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted. Lawyer John Gauci represented Mohammed Dag.