Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been found not guilty of murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay in a sword attack in Glasgow. The verdict was delivered by a jury at the High Court in Glasgow after a trial that lasted several days. Amen was found seriously injured on Clarendon Street, Maryhill, on the evening of March 5, 2023, and died at the scene.
The two defendants had been accused of murdering Amen by striking him with a sword or similar weapon. The 16-year-old defendant had admitted to stabbing Amen but claimed it was in self-defense, while the 17-year-old denied any involvement in the attack. The jury deliberated for two days before returning the not-guilty verdict.
Background and Trial Details
The trial heard that the incident followed a feud between Amen and the younger defendant, which reportedly began in 2024. According to testimony, Amen and his friends allegedly stole cannabis from the 16-year-old and two other boys during a drug deal, leading to a series of clashes involving various weapons. CCTV footage of some of these incidents was shown in court.
The defense for the 17-year-old argued that he had not participated in the violence and that Amen had been armed with a weapon described as a “cutlass” or a “pirate sword.” The defense also claimed that Amen had “gone out of his way” to find the first accused before the confrontation.
Emotional Reactions
Amen’s family, who were present in the public gallery, were visibly emotional after the verdict was announced. The judge, Lord Colbeck, thanked the jurors for their service before discharging them.
Legal and Social Implications
The case has raised questions about youth violence and self-defense laws in Scotland. The trial highlighted the complexities of determining culpability in cases involving minors and weapons. The verdict has also sparked discussions about the broader issue of gang-related violence among young people in Glasgow.