Sept 30 trial for Israeli's gun trafficking, bullet possession case

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court has fixed nine days to hear a case against Israeli Shalom Avitan for firearm trafficking and possessing bullets in a hotel in the capital in March.

Judge Norina Zainol Abidin set Sept 30 to Oct 3, and Oct 7 to 11 for the trial, during case management today, reported Free Malaysia Today.

According to deputy public prosecutor Mustaffa P Kunyalam, around 20 witnesses will be called to testify in the trial.

Earlier, Norina granted the prosecution’s request to amend the serial numbers of the Glock and Stoeger Cougar pistols and increase the number of live bullets allegedly found in Avitan’s (above) possession, from 158 to 200.

The 38-year-old Israeli, who entered the country on a valid French passport, claimed trial to the amended charges.

The offences were allegedly committed in a hotel room in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, between 6.46pm on March 26 and 6pm on March 28.

For the gun trafficking charge under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, Avitan faces between 30 and 40 years in jail and can be subjected to a maximum of six strokes of the rotan.

For the bullet possession charge under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206), Avitan could be imprisoned for seven years, fined RM10,000, or both.

Jeffrey Ooi and Navinjit Singh represented Avitan, while deputy public prosecutors Shafiq Hasim and Fazeedah Faik also appeared for the prosecution.