KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of Israeli national Avitan Shalom, who faces charges of possession of ammunition and firearms trafficking, has been adjourned again to allow for the appointment of a Hebrew interpreter.
Sessions Court judge Norina Zainol Abidin ruled that the trial would be adjourned to Monday after considering an objection by Avitan's lawyer, Datuk Naran Singh, against proceeding without a Hebrew interpreter.
The prosecution also agreed that Avitan should be provided with an interpreter.
"It is the right of the accused to receive an interpretation of the language he understands," said Norina.
"The court will grant one opportunity to secure a Hebrew interpreter. Therefore, this case will be adjourned to this Monday, and it is scheduled to continue for three weeks."
Norina added that in the event a Hebrew interpreter could not be found, both parties must be prepared to proceed with the trial in English.
"The court will notify the parties via email on Friday as to whether a Hebrew interpreter is available," she said.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P. Kunyalam said the prosecution was ready to proceed and that their witnesses were prepared.
The court granted Avitan a brief moment with his brother-in-law, who had travelled from the United States and was seated in the public gallery.
Avitan, 39, from Bnei Brak, Israel, claimed trial to two amended charges under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act and the Arms Act last April.
Under the first charge, he is accused of possessing 200 bullets for a Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9x19, an M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA, and a Stoeger Cougar 800F.
For the second charge, Avitan is accused of trafficking six firearms without a permit, namely a Glock 19 USA 9x19, a Sig Sauer P3205P, a Cougar 8000FT, a Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9x19, an M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA, and a Stoeger Cougar 8000F.
The offences were allegedly committed between 6.46 pm on 26 March and 6 pm on 28 March last year in a hotel room on Jalan Ampang.
The charge under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both.
The charge under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act carries a jail term of 30 to 40 years and at least six strokes of the rotan.