KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Shalom Avitan, a 38-year-old Israeli man, is confronting serious charges in Malaysia after being arrested for alleged firearms trafficking and possession of ammunition. Malaysian authorities detained Avitan on March 27 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where they reportedly discovered six handguns and 158 bullets in his possession.
During his court appearance on Friday, Avitan pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the severity of the accusations means he could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence of 30 to 40 years, along with corporal punishment in the form of caning.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam emphasized the gravity of the offence, highlighting the potential consequences Avitan could face if convicted.
Avitan’s arrival in Malaysia from the United Arab Emirates on a French passport on March 12 raised suspicions, leading to his subsequent arrest and the discovery of the firearms and ammunition.
Following his apprehension, Avitan informed authorities that he had traveled to Malaysia to locate another Israeli individual due to a family disagreement.
It’s important to note that Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation with no diplomatic relations with Israel, has historically supported Palestinian statehood. As a result, Israelis are subject to stringent entry requirements, including the need for visas and approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to enter Malaysia.