Kuala Lumpur: The trial of Israeli national Avitan Shalom, who is facing charges of possessing 200 rounds of ammunition and trafficking six firearms, was postponed again today due to a dispute by the defense regarding the Hebrew interpreter.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks the third postponement of the trial, following a previous delay last Tuesday, January 7, due to Avitan's request for a Hebrew interpreter. Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam informed Sessions Court Judge Norina Zainol Abidin that although the prosecution is prepared with witnesses, they did not object to the defense's request to postpone the hearing.
"The prosecution is ready. The court has also prepared an interpreter, but there is a 'contest' from the lawyer against this interpreter, and in order not to waste the time of the parties and in the interest of justice, this case needs to be adjourned," stated Mohamad Mustaffa.
Lawyer Jeffrey Ooi, representing Avitan, justified the postponement request, citing concerns over the appointment of the Hebrew interpreter. He mentioned that there are urgent issues from lead counsel Datuk Naran Singh, and the court has been informed through an adjournment letter from Datuk Naran. Ooi requested a new date for the case management on February 14.
Judge Norina approved the adjournment and set February 14 for case management, vacating the previously scheduled hearing dates. The court initially allocated 12 days for the hearing, spanning January 6 to 9, January 13 to 16, and January 20 to 23.
Avitan is charged with possessing a box of Shell Shock NAS3 9mm containing eight bullets, three boxes of Bullet Master Co Ltd containing 150 bullets, and 42 bullets in three different weapons without a license or weapons permit. The charge, under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years, a fine up to RM10,000, or both if convicted.
Additionally, Avitan faces charges of trafficking six firearms, including Glock 19 USA 9x19, Sig Sauer P3205P, Cougar 8000FT, Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9x19, M and P 9C Smith and Wesson Springfield MA USA, and Stoeger Cougar 8000F. This charge, under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, carries a potential penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment and a minimum of six strokes of the cane if convicted.
Both alleged offenses took place in a hotel room on Jalan Ampang between 6:46 pm on March 26 and 6 pm on March 28 last year.