An incident involving a foreign national causing a disturbance in the vibrant streets of Seminyak over the weekend has captured the attention of locals and tourists in Bali, though questions have remained as to whether or not the culprit was actually carrying a deadly weapon.
At approximately 3:45am on Saturday, the early morning quiet of Seminyak was disrupted as a 31-year-old Canadian citizen, Mohamed Reda, reportedly engaged in disruptive behavior in front of Natys Restaurant on Jalan Kayu Aya.
Witnesses and the circulating video footage indicate that Reda was in possession of a sharp object, creating a sense of panic among onlookers and leading to increased public apprehension.
Badung Police Chief Teguh Priyo Wasono told DetikBali that Reda was intoxicated during the incident. He was arrested later that day in the evening.
“For now he confessed that, under the influence of alcohol, he was scared,” said Teguh.
In a clip that went viral over the weekend, Reda is shown to be mumbling while brandishing his knife to several people in front of the restaurant. An onlooker approached him and seemingly asked him to stop his antics.
Reda later began an argument with a foreign male while the latter’s female friend hysterically asked him to stay away from him.
Bali Police spokesman Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto confirmed to Coconuts Bali that Reda was apprehended on Jln. Gatot Subroto Barat. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and transferred to the North Kuta Police Station for thorough questioning and examination.
During the interrogation, Reda admitted to making threats and causing a disturbance while allegedly carrying a knife. However, a comprehensive search of his person, belongings, and vehicle yielded no knife, raising questions about the initial claims made.
Reda claimed that the object he had in his possession was a plastic knife, merely a toy he had brought from his villa. He explained his actions as a response to feeling threatened and fearing a potential attack from unidentified individuals.
“Today the Badung Police will process him in coordination with the immigration authorities. The plan is for him to be deported,” said Bayu.
