Bail Denied for Man Accused of Assaulting Police Officers during Religious Procession

Strategic Insights -

A 26-year-old man accused of violently assaulting and threatening two police constables during the Corpus Christi procession in Malta has been denied bail. Bereket Ghebremedhin faced charges of assault after allegedly striking a police officer without provocation and resisting arrest. He also reportedly erupted again at the police station, shouting at officers and spitting in one constable's face.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bereket Ghebremedhin, 26, has been denied bail after being charged with violently assaulting and threatening two police constables.
  • The incident occurred during the Corpus Christi procession in Hamrun, Malta, where Ghebremedhin allegedly struck a police officer without provocation.
  • Ghebremedhin resisted arrest and was subdued by a third officer using pepper spray.
  • He was arrested and taken to a health centre, where he refused an ambulance and was declared fit for detention.
  • Once at the police station, Ghebremedhin allegedly shouted at officers and spat in one constable's face.
  • Lawyer Silvan Pulis argued for Ghebremedhin's release, citing his client's unstable residence and risk of losing employment if held in custody.
  • Inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa opposed the request, noting Ghebremedhin's lack of explanation for his aggressive conduct and his attack on a second officer.
  • The magistrate denied bail, citing the accused's inconsistent statements about his residence and the nature of the charges.
  • Ghebremedhin pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Statistics:

  • Age of accused: 26
  • Number of police officers assaulted: 2
  • Charges against Ghebremedhin: violently assaulting and threatening police constables
  • Method of restraint used by third officer: pepper spray
  • Location of incident: Hamrun, Malta, during the Corpus Christi procession
  • Funding of lawyer for accused: privately funded by Silvan Pulis

Sources:

  • Malta Independent: "Man accused of assaulting police officer during Corpus Christi procession denied bail"
  • Times of Malta: "Assault charge: Man accused of injuring police officer during Corpus Christi procession denied bail"
  • Times of Malta: "Court discusses man's bail application after Corpus Christi procession incident"