Marsalforn murder jury enters final stage as judge addresses jurors<\/p>\n
The jury trial of 28-year-old Syrian national Maher Aljasem, accused of murdering Fawez Najem, has entered its final phase before Mr Justice Neville Camilleri, with jurors now tasked with determining his guilt or innocence.<\/p>\n
Following the conclusion of closing submissions by both the prosecution and the defence on Tuesday, the judge began delivering his instructions to the jurors, outlining their duty to assess the facts of the case and reach a verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court.<\/p>\n
The case dates back to Saturday, 7 May 2022, when a fight allegedly broke out between two groups of Syrian nationals in Gozo, reportedly over money. The victim, 25-year-old Fawez Najem, died after being stabbed inside an apartment in Marsalforn.<\/p>\n
Aljasem faces multiple charges, including voluntary homicide, causing voluntary injuries, possession of a pointed or bladed instrument, and disturbing the public peace. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.<\/p>\n
Testifying during the compilation of evidence, forensic pathologist Mario Scerri described multiple stab wounds sustained by the victim, including injuries to the head, face, neck, arm, and chest. The fatal wounds, he explained, were two stab injuries to the chest.<\/p>\n
Scerri told the court that the trajectory of the knife suggested movement during the attack, possibly indicating that the assailant’s hand shifted or that the weapon was forcefully withdrawn, causing additional internal damage.<\/p>\n
He further explained that the significant loss of blood caused by the injuries ultimately led to the victim’s heart being unable to pump sufficient blood, resulting in death.<\/p>\n
The prosecution is being led by lawyers Angele Vella and Cynthia Tomasuolo on behalf of the Attorney General. The accused is represented by lawyers Peter Fenech, Amy Zahra, and Elena Fenech, while the victim’s family is being assisted by lawyers Franco Debono and Matthew Xuereb.<\/p>\n
A verdict by the jury is expected following the judge’s final directions.<\/p>\n
The prosecution was led by Angele Vella and Cynthia Tomasuolo on behalf of the Attorney General. The accused is represented by Peter Fenech, Elena Fenech and Amy Zahra, while Franco Debono and Matthew Xuereb are appearing on behalf of the victim’s family.<\/p>\n
Judge Neville Camilleri addressed the jurors.<\/p>\n
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