Student claims he suffered racial abuse by police, had no option but to admit to charges

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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A 24-year-old Somali student who claimed he was manhandled by police officers in an incident he claims was racially motivated said he had no choice but to admit to charges brought against him because if he pleaded not guilty he risked being held in Malta.

Suleyman Omar Ahmed was charged with threatening officers, disobeying orders, breaching the peace and being drunk in public.

Sources said Mr Ahmed was at a Paceville club with some friends early this morning. At one point he went out to withdraw money but the bouncers would not let him back in when he returned. Mr Ahmed claimed he was manhandled by the police when they showed up and was taken to the St Julian’s police station.

He claims that there was racial motivation behind the behaviour shown towards him. The man said he was arrested again when he passed some remarks at the police officers who took him back to his hotel after his release.

Lawyer Leontine Calleja said her client was pleading not guilty. She said it was true that her client had passed some ‘stupid’ comments but the court should take into consideration that he had been “surrounded by three people and beaten up.”

She asked the court to hear the details of the case but Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona said he could not hear any witnesses if the accused was pleading not guilty. The case would have to be transferred to another magistrate.

Inspector Trevor Micallef, prosecuting, said bail should be denied because the accused was due to leave the country on Thursday.

After consulting with the accused, the Dr Calleja said Mr Ahmed had no option but to admit to the charges, as he would have to remain in Malta if he did and there was a possibility that bail would not be granted.

Mr Ahmed was slapped with an €800 fine and was conditionally discharged for six months.

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