Syrian couple handed suspended sentence for absconding

A Syrian couple was today handed a six-month jail term suspended for a year, after admitting to absconding from Malta and to travelling without being in possession of valid travel documents.

The court heard how Younes Eyad Ali, 36 and Krayem Dania Ali, 34 - both Syrian refugees - had lost their three children during their crossing from war-torn Syria to Malta last summer. Consequently, prosecuting officer Edel Mary Camilleri told the court, they were desperate to leave Malta in a bid to leave behind their cruel memories.

The couple were apprehended in Norway where investigations revealed that they had no valid travel documents.

The prosecution told the court that the couple is very young and that they have a life ahead of them. She also said that it would therefore be unwise to keep them behind bars and that a suspended sentence would suffice.

The officer also insisted that the immigration department would help them settle and find work.

In handing down the judgement, Magistrate Gabriella Vella upheld the prosecution’s request and handed the Syrian couple a six-month jail sentence suspended for a year.

Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted while Joseph Mizzi was legal aid.