A nationwide search has been mounted for a Syrian national, 32-year-old Hachem Ali, who failed to appear in court yesterday morning to stand trial for the attempted murder of a man in 2001.
Mr Ali was expected to plead guilty to the attempted murder of Vincent Sammut, whom he allegedly shot in the face during an argument over work on 27 February 2001. Mr Sammut suffered serious injuries to his face as a result.
Mr Ali’s defence lawyers Michael Schiriha and Ian Farrugia had already informed the court last week that their client was expected to file a guilty plea. In fact, the court did not summon jurors to appear in court for yesterday’s trial, which is being presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono.
Mr Ali is accused of Mr Sammut’s attempted murder and with the illegal possession of a firearm.
When the compilation of evidence against Mr Ali was concluded, he was granted bail against a deposit of Lm5,000 and a Lm10,000 personal guarantee. Other bail conditions were imposed, including the signing of the bail book at the police station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Yesterday, when Mr Ali was called into the courtroom, there was no sign of him. Mr Justice Galea Debono ordered the court bailiffs and the police to mount a search for him and postponed the sitting for two hours, to allow some time for Mr Ali to be found.
When the sitting resumed, the court was informed that Mr Ali was nowhere to be found, although he had been duly informed about his trial.
Superintendent Carmelo Bartolo took the witness stand to explain that he, along with other police officers, had gone to the house of the defendant’s brother in Fgura, but only found his brother’s wife, ie Mr Ali’s sister-in-law. He said they also spoke to his brother and they both said that the last time that they had seen or spoken to Hachem Ali was on Saturday evening.
Superintendent Bartolo added that he had also gone to Mr Ali’s house in San Gwann where he spoke to his wife, who said that the last time she had seen or spoken to her husband was on Saturday evening.
Upon hearing this, Mr Justice Galea Debono ordered Police Commissioner John Rizzo to publish Mr Ali’s photograph along with whatever information the police has in order that he is found. The judge deferred the sitting until Thursday, to give the authorities some time to find the accused.
Later in the afternoon, the Police Commissioned issued a statement, along with Mr Ali’s photograph, and asked the public for their help to find the suspect. The police said Mr Ali might be using a blue and white Kia Ceres van with Hachem Ali printed on it as well as mobile numbers 7947-5200 and 9940-6499. The van bears the registration number FAW 546. This van might also be used by Mr Ali’s brother.
The police may be contacted on 2122-1111 with any inform-ation. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, during yesterday’s sitting, Dr Sciriha and Dr Farrugia said they did not wish to represent Mr Ali in court in view of the events, but Mr Justice Galea Debono said the court could not accept their request.
Senior Counsel to the Republic Anthony Barbara prosecuted.