In court on Thursday, 21-year-old bouncer Riald Gragjevi pleaded not guilty to causing serious injuries to Idriss Ahmed Adem outside a Paceville nightclub on New Year’s Eve, asserting that he was the victim of a broken bottle stabbing. 

Times of Malta reported that Gragjevi, captured on camera during the assault, was arrested at the airport trying to leave the country. Inspector Brian Xuereb, on night duty between December 31 and January 1, responded to a report of an unconscious person in Paceville’s St George’s Road. 

The victim, suffering grievous bodily harm, was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. Earlier, a security guard reported an assault with a broken bottle, later identified as the victim.

Gragjevi’s arrest, triggered by an attempt to board a flight, was confirmed by airport police.

Defense lawyer Shazoo Ghaznavi informed Magistrate Joe Mifsud that Gragjevi pleads not guilty, asserting victimhood after being stabbed by a broken bottle, with two additional bottles thrown at him. 

Ghaznavi emphasised that Gragjevi wasn’t fleeing, as the ticket was purchased three weeks earlier. The victim released a video showcasing prior issues with club bouncers, adding complexity to the case.

#MaltaDaily