Eight-year wait ends as suspect faces justice
Mazhar Mushtaq walked back into a Malta courtroom this week after eight years on the run. The 35-year-old Pakistani national was brought before Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit on Wednesday, having been located in Genoa, Italy and extradited on the strength of a European Arrest Warrant [1].
The case stretches back to 2018, when Mushtaq was first charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl. Court testimony from that time painted a troubling picture of manipulation and coercion [1].
How the alleged abuse unfolded
According to the evidence presented in 2018, Mushtaq became fixated on the teenager after meeting her on several occasions. When she refused further contact, he allegedly created three fake social media accounts and posed as a third party [1].
The court heard he threatened to publish intimate photographs and videos unless she resumed seeing him. Using Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, he allegedly demanded she meet with him again or face the release of the compromising material [1].
The girl was allegedly persuaded to meet him after being led to believe the images would be deleted if she had sex with him in a hotel room [1].
The alleged crimes were serious. Mushtaq faced charges including rape, forcing a minor to participate in pornography, engaging in sexual activities with an underage girl through violence, misuse of telecommunications equipment and producing child pornography [1].
Disappearance and capture
Mushtaq failed to appear for court sittings, prompting authorities to issue a European Arrest Warrant in February 2023 [1]. He remained at large until he was found in Italy.
Now back in Malta, he maintains his innocence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is represented by lawyers Franco Debono and Herman Mula [1].
Court conditions set
The prosecution wasted no time. Inspector Marshall Mallia's team filed an application to revoke bail following Mushtaq's reappearance [1].
Magistrate Stafrace Zammit granted him bail with strict conditions: he must sign a bail book twice daily at Birkirkara police station and provide a personal guarantee of €10,000 [1]. The magistrate is expected to rule on the prosecution's bail revocation application on Friday [1].