A jury has acquitted 28-year-old Syrian national Maher Aljasem of all charges in connection with the fatal stabbing of Fawez Najem.
After around five hours of deliberation, jurors returned to the courtroom where the verdict was read out in the presence of Judge Neville Camilleri.
On the main charge of wilful homicide, the jury found Aljasem not guilty by eight votes to one. He was also unanimously acquitted of the remaining charges, which included causing grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife or pointed instrument, and disturbing the public peace.
The case dates back to 7 May 2022, when a confrontation broke out between two groups of Syrian nationals in Gozo, reportedly over money
The victim, aged 25, died after being stabbed in the chest during the incident, which took place inside an apartment in Marsalforn.
The prosecution was led by lawyers Angele Vella and Cynthia Tomasuolo on behalf of the Attorney General. The accused was represented by lawyers Peter Fenech, Amy Zahra, and Elena Fenech.
