One of the Libyan men accused of hijacking an Afriqiyah Airways has been offered a 10-year plea bargain, according to reports.

The two hijackers – Ali Ahmed Saleh and Shah Soko Moussa – landed in Malta on 23rd December 2016 after diverting the plane from Libya. It would later be revealed that the pair used fake guns and bombs when hijacking the aircraft, which was carrying 111 passengers and six crew members.

The men are currently facing charges of committing terrorism and hijacking an aircraft, both of which carry life sentences.

Malta Today have reported how sources informed them that a plea bargaining agreement with Saleh is currently being negotiated.  A 10-year minimum sentence is being proposed in return for a testimony against Moussa, who was released on bail in February 2019.

In December 2017, Saleh’s previous legal aid Patrick Valentino told Lovin Malta that he would pursue a plea bargain, and claimed that Saleh “only met Moussa on the plane and helped him out”.

The case will continue in October.

Lawyer George Anton Buttigieg is defence counsel to Moussa. Lawyer Marc Sant is appearing for Saleh. Lawyers Elaine Mercieca Rizzo and Charles Mercieca are prosecuting.

Aaron Bugeja is the presiding judge.

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