Jun 07 - Moroccan Man Set To Be Deported – Calls Justice System “Circus” And His Lawyer A “Puppet”
A man who has been in custody for the past seven months awaiting deportation grew increasingly agitated and called the justice system in Gibraltar a “circus” during a court appearance yesterday afternoon.
The man shook his head and made angry gestures while standing in the dock flanked by a police officer and the court translator.
He claimed he hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to the Moroccan Consulate in Algeciras in Spain who will assist the Royal Gibraltar Police to arrange his deportation.
The man was previously accused of giving Royal Gibraltar Police officers “false and misleading” information which has resulted in him being held in custody in Gibraltar for longer than expected.
Last month he gave the Stipendiary Magistrate Charles Pitto a variation of a name, and claimed he came from a village near Rabat in Morocco.
Prosecutor Sharon Peralta said investigations are being carried out based on the information received, and they have a black and white photograph but aren’t able to correctly identify defendant as it’s an old photo.
Mr Pitto said: “We seem to be close to establishing the details necessary for your repatriation. It’s just a question of clarifying that precisely so that the correct travel documents can be issued.”
The defendant described the situation as a “circus”, saying it was costing a lot of money and accused his defence lawyer Patrick Canessa of being a “puppet”. He claimed he had handed over documents while in Spain, and said the authorities could have taken his name from them and correctly identified him at any time.
He hit back at the authorities, saying he wasn’t once asked his name or given the opportunity to speak to the Moroccan Consulate, which Mr Pitto said he saw no problem in him doing so.
YGTV understands investigations are also underway to establish whether he is wanted in Spain as he said he had originally claimed he came to Gibraltar after being persecuted by the Spanish authorities.
The case has been adjourned until next month.
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