Aljasem found not guilty of Marsalforn stabbing

Victim was found stabbed in the heart during 2022 altercation

Updated 6.20pm

Maher Aljasem has been acquitted of all charges related to the fatal stabbing of fellow Syrian national Fawez Najem in May 2022.

The jury delivered its verdict of eight votes to one after five hours of deliberation.

Aljasem, 28, was also unanimously cleared of three additional charges: causing grievous bodily harm, carrying a knife or pointed instrument, and breaching public order.

The case dates back to May 7, 2022, when a fight broke out between two groups of Syrian nationals in Gozo, reportedly over money.

The victim, Najem, died after being stabbed in the heart during the altercation, which took place inside an apartment in Marsalforn.

Mr Justice Neville Camilleri presided over the trial.

Lawyers Angele Vella and Cynthia Tomasuolo prosecuted on behalf of the Attorney General.

Lawyers Peter Fenech, Amy Zahra and Elena Fenech assisted the accused.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Matthew Xuereb appeared parte civile.

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