Injuries show man was sexually abused, court expert tells attempted murder case
The assault allegedly took place in a butcher shop in San Ġwann
A court on Friday heard medical evidence about injuries suffered by a man allegedly assaulted in a case involving Jordan Azzopardi, widely known as Malta’s “El Chapo”.
Edward Cherubino testified before Magistrate Lara Lanfranco, telling the court he had examined the alleged victim after what had previously been described as an “extremely graphic assault”.
The assault allegedly took place on April 21 at a butcher shop in San Ġwann.
Cherubino said the man did not appear to have suffered permanent injuries.
However, when he examined him, he noted several injuries and swelling on his body.
The alleged victim told the doctor he had been tied down, placed in a headlock and beaten.
Cherubino said that the account was consistent with the injuries he observed.
He noted marks on the man’s body which indicated he had been restrained.
The forensic doctor also said the injuries were consistent with claims that the alleged victim had been sexually assaulted using a sex toy.
Azzopardi is charged alongside Abdulmomen Abudagil with several offences, including sexual assault, theft, unlawful detention, bodily harm, taking sexual footage or photos without consent, violent coercion, extortion, misuse of electronic equipment and causing the alleged victim to fear violence would be used against him.
Azzopardi alone is also accused of attempted homicide and breaching several bail conditions.
Mohammed Elmushraty, better known as Lilu King, has also been charged in connection with the case. He is accused of complicity in the unlawful detention, assault and rape of the man.
Fellow Libyan national Noureddin Almahmoudi has also been charged with complicity in the crimes allegedly committed by Azzopardi and Abudagil.
All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
They all appeared in court on Friday.
The case continues on May 21.
The prosecution is being led by inspectors Wayne Buhagiar and James Turner, together with lawyers Jurgen Dalli, Darleen Grima and Danika Vella.
The accused are being assisted by lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri, Herman Mula, Adreana Zammit, Matthew Xuereb, Jacob Magri and Arthur Azzopardi.