Seven young Syrians were brought before Magistrate Astrid May Grima in court with charges related to terrorism.
The accused individuals, aged between 21 and 27 years old, include Ajil Al Muhsen, Adnan Maashi, Yazan Abduklaziz, Ahmed Kadas, Khalil Al Mahmoud, Ahmed Ahmed, and Mohammed Mohammed. Five of them reside in Hamrun, one in Tal-Pietà, and one in Birkirkara.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the various charges brought against them, including provoking the commission of terrorist activities with messages in public to incite a terrorist crime, recruiting or encouraging persons to commit terrorist acts, teaching individuals to use explosives or firearms, glorifying terrorist acts, promoting their commission, and creating a danger of terrorist acts being committed. They were also accused of attempting to travel to the EU to take part in terrorist activities.
The prosecution requested the seizure of all movable and immovable property of the accused, as well as their money. The defence argued that it does not make sense to make seizures on assets and money that do not reflect the period where the illicit gain was supposed to be made. However, Magistrate Grima accepted the prosecution’s request and ordered the seizure of all the accused individuals.
The accused were arrested in a joint operation by several police units, including Europol. Europol is the EU agency responsible for law enforcement in member countries.
The defence did not request the release of the accused from custody, and thus they remain in custody.
The charges brought against the accused are serious, and if found guilty, they could face severe penalties.
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