Two cleared due to 'strong conflicting evidence'

A Bosnian and a Croat were yesterday cleared of charges of having been involved in the mayhem during the Malta-Croatia World Cup qualifier after a magistrate ruled that, in light of "very strong conflicting evidence", the case was clearly one of mistaken identity.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti cleared Bosnian Edis Zjajo and Croatian Goran Vete of all charges as he ruled that the case had not been proven to the prima facie level required by law.

The magistrate noted that the prosecution had declared it had no further evidence following the testimony of three police officers and a security guard at the stadium. Between them, the four witnesses recognised both Mr Zjajo and Mr Vete as having participated in the disorder at the National Stadium on September 7.

The court also noted that the two men denied their involvement and the defence exhibited several video clips of the incident taken by Mr Zjajo, who had come to Malta on holiday with his girlfriend. The couple had gone to watch the match after seeing an advert but had nothing to do with the Croatian supporters.

Mr Zjajo's recording showed Mr Vete away from the offending crowd, showing signs of disapproval.

"Having noted that at this early stage of the proceedings there already exists a very strong conflict of evidence without the accused having adduced their evidence and that such conflict will benefit the accused in judgement of this case and, further, that it is more than evident that this is a case of mistaken identity.

"Now, therefore, the court is of the opinion that there are not sufficient grounds for the accused to be committed for trial on indictment with the charges as above described and [...] orders that the accused be discharged," Magistrate Grixti ruled.

Police Inspectors Silvio Valletta and Jeffrey Cilia prosecuted.

Lawyers Malcolm Mifsud and Cedric Mifsud appeared for the two men.