KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of Israeli Avitan Shalom, who faces charges of possession of ammunition and firearms trafficking, has been adjourned to tomorrow to allow for the appointment of a Hebrew interpreter.
This came after Avitan's lawyer, Datuk Naran Singh, at the start of the 12-day trial today, requested to the court that his client be provided with a Hebrew interpreter.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P. Kunyalam did not object to the application, saying it was Avitan's right to get an interpreter.
After a close to 30-minute stand down, the proceedings resumed with Sessions Court judge Norina Zainol Abidin assuring Avitan,39, that the court would do its best to find a Hebrew interpreter.
"We are trying our level best to get a Hebrew interpreter to interpret the evidence from the prosecution witnesses. However, we are not able to confirm the date (availability of interpreter).
"Therefore, as far as today is concerned, I will adjourn this matter to tomorrow. But, be prepared. In the event there is no Hebrew interpreter available, the court's interpreter will interpret to you in simple English.
"If you do not understand, please raise your hand and inform the court," she told Avitan, who sat in the dock clad in an all-white prison outfit and a black bulletproof vest, surrounded by policemen.
However, Naran objected, saying that he did not agree for the trial to proceed without a Hebrew interpreter. To this, the judge asked him to raise the matter tomorrow.
"We will wait for the outcome of the Hebrew interpreter. I cannot even confirm if a Hebrew interpreter is available or not," she said.
Avitan also asked the judge if he had to come to court tomorrow.
Norina said: "Yes, you have to come. All parties have to be in this court tomorrow."
Earlier, Avitan was brought from prison to the court complex in Jalan Duta, here, under heavy escort by policemen clad in tactical gear. He entered the courtroom at 10am.
Over 50 policemen guarded the corridor leading to the courtroom where proceedings were held and the media were barred from entering.
Heavy security was mounted at the court complex where over 200 policemen from the Federal Reserve Unit and General Operations Force guarded the complex's main entrance and compound, which was off-limits to vehicles.
Only those with court dealings and who had registered were allowed entry into the court complex.
Mustaffa was assisted by deputy public prosecutors Rullizah Abdul Majid and Suloshani Vijendran Vellupillai.
The trial, where close to 30 witnesses will be called, begins today with the trial dates set for Jan 9; 13 to 16 and 20 to 23.
Avitan, 39, from Bnei-Brak, Israel claimed trial to two amended charges framed under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and the Arms Act 1960.
In the two amended charge sheets, the prosecution had made amendments to the possession of bullets from 158 to 200; as well as the type, name and serial number of three of six firearms.
The first amended charge read that he had possessed without permit 158 bullets in four boxes and 42 bullets in three firearm magazines of Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9X19, M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA and Stoeger Cougar 800F.
The second amended charge read he had trafficked six firearms without permit namely Glock 19 USA 9x19 (Serial number: AEGS286); Sig Sauer P3205P (Serial number: 58C283463); Cougar 8000FT (Serial number T6429-10G002496); Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9x19 (Serial number: BDZZ090); M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA (Serial number: DSW9077) dan Stoeger Cougar 8000F (Serial number: T6429-08-A029304).
The offences were committed between 6.46pm on March 26 and 6pm on March 28 last year in a room at a hotel in Jalan Ampang.
The charge under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act carries imprisonment of less than seven years; a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both.