The Moroccan who terrified Northampton residents with violence and bloodshed last month appeared in court to deny that he meant anyone any harm.
Jamal appeared with “two of his co-workers” [sic], brothers Abid (Haffid) and El-Hafid, who operate Amanouz Cafe and Mosaic Cafe.
The best defense money can buy
The family has hired an expensive defense lawyer, Colin Keefe, who specializes in exonerating people accused of “domestic violence, sex crimes, or crimes of theft” with an
“arsonal of legal technique such as motions to suppress, well honed trial skills, expert cross examination of witnesses, and selection of a jury as unbiased and as favorable as possible to you. Effective use of expert witnesses including a Private Investigative Firm and an Intoxication Expert Doctor.”
Jamal was found guilty of another alcohol related crime in 2006, and attorney Keefe has already suggested “an evaluation to determine if Assab was responsible for his actions on the day of the incident.”
Blame it on the nefarious Jews
Muslims are not permitted to drink, and if Jamal has indeed succumbed to the evils of Dar al-Harb it is certainly not his fault. Perhaps he should spend more time with an observant and sincere Muslim community, where his inclinations could be channeled more constructively. Dr. Hazratji has offered to teach sincere Muslims about nefarious Jews and “proper observance of Islamic etiquette.” “If you want to be helpful, come to us and learn.”
The article does not mention whether Jamal is still in custody or has been released so that he can assist with the family businesses, perhaps working off his attorney fees and bail. Jamal is usually able to “tone it down for the American palate,” although according to El-Hafid, you can request your dishes seasoned as “aggressively” as you like.
May 31, 2001 – Jamal Assab of Northampton denies robbing TD Bank
Would you like your falafal seasoned a little more aggressively?
NORTHAMPTON – A man charged with robbing a Main Street bank at knifepoint pleaded innocent to armed robbery and other charges Tuesday in Hampshire Superior Court.
Jamal Assab, 37, of Florence Road also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and larceny under $250 in connection with an April 13 incident at TD Bank next to Thornes Marketplace.
According to police, Assab walked into the bank, drew a knife on one of the tellers and demanded cash. After she handed him an undisclosed amount of money, he fled onto Main Street, police said. A Northampton police officer who arrived on the scene reported seeing Assab trying to stuff something into a coat pocket.
After spotting a large knife sticking out of Assab’s coat, the officer tackled him and arrested Assab with assistance from other officers. Assab had a large wad of cash and a box containing five knives, police said. A subsequent investigation revealed that Assab had shoplifted the knives from Acme Surplus in the basement of Thornes prior to entering the bank, according to police. [Note: this article says the knives were stolen from Synergy ?]
His two brothers from Amanouz Cafe attended his arraignment which was delayed until an Arabic interpreter could arrive at the courthouse.
A native of Morocco, Assab worked at Amanouz Cafe, a Middle Eastern restaurant on Main Street owned by his family.
Jamal Assab (white cap) relaxes with family and friends at Amanouz Cafe
Defense lawyer Colin Keefe told Judge C. Jeffrey Kinder that he intends to request an evaluation to determine if Assab was responsible for his actions on the day of the incident. According to Keefe, surveillance videos will show that Assab was extremely intoxicated. Prosecutor Jeremy Bucci promised to turn over all the evidence he has in the matter within the next few weeks.
At Bucci’s request, Kinder kept bail at $25,000, the amount set at Assab’s arraignment in Northampton District Court in April. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 15.
