Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The firearms trial of Israeli national Avitan Shalom, who faces serious charges of possessing 200 rounds of ammunition and trafficking six firearms, has been postponed once again. This delay came after Shalom’s lawyer requested a Hebrew interpreter for the accused during the trial. The new date for the trial is set for Monday, January 13, 2025.
Shalom is accused of possessing various illegal firearms and ammunition in a hotel room on Jalan Ampang between March 26 and March 28, 2024. He faces two serious charges under Malaysian law: one for possessing firearms and ammunition without a permit, and another for trafficking firearms. The first charge involves a box of 9mm ammunition and several rounds in three firearms, while the second charge includes trafficking firearms like the Glock 19, Sig Sauer, and Cougar models.
During the court proceedings, Judge Norina Zainol Abidin was not pleased with the late request for a Hebrew interpreter. “This issue of requiring an interpreter was never raised throughout the nine months of this case,” she said. The defense counsel, Datuk Naran Singh, informed the court on the first day of the trial that Shalom required an interpreter. Judge Norina pointed out that this request had been brought up at the very last minute, causing a delay in the trial.
“It is the right of the accused to have an interpreter in a language they understand. However, this issue should have been raised earlier in the case,” Judge Norina added. As a result, the trial has been rescheduled to allow time to find a suitable Hebrew interpreter.
Shalom faces severe penalties if convicted, including up to seven years in prison for the possession of illegal firearms and up to 40 years for trafficking. The case has drawn significant attention due to the gravity of the charges, the delay, and the involvement of an international defendant.
The firearms trial is expected to continue with the new trial date set for next Monday, January 13.