Airport Panic After Man Joked He Had Bomb In Luggage

A 21-year-old Libyan man residing in Swieqi has been conditionally discharged for three years after falsely claiming he was carrying a bomb while boarding a flight to Italy.

Taha Osama Ali Edriz was due to fly to Bergamo on Thursday when a dispute arose over his hand luggage, which exceeded cabin size limits.

After paying the required fee to check the bag, he was asked by airport staff if it contained any electronic items.

In response, he said it contained a bomb.

The remark prompted immediate action from airport security, who removed him from the boarding area. Edriz was arrested and later admitted in court to making a false statement that caused public alarm.

Prosecutors stated that his claim caused disruption and concern among airport staff. However, they noted that Edriz had cooperated with authorities and expressed genuine remorse.

The defence argued the comment was made impulsively, with no intent to frighten anyone, and described it as an ill-judged joke. The bag contained only personal belongings.

Given Edriz’s clean record and the circumstances, the court issued a conditional discharge.

The magistrate emphasised that such statements are taken seriously, regardless of intent.

#MaltaDaily