Two charged with rape

Two young Libyans were yesterday charged with raping a 15-year-old Maltese girl and defiling her and her younger sister last month.

Murad Mohamed Atta and Ashraf Abobakir M. Al Ash-hab, both 23 and residing in St Paul's Bay, pleaded not guilty to raping the 15-year-old girl and defiling her and her 12-year-old sister.

Magistrate Silvio Meli ordered that the two men be remanded in custody. He also upheld the prosecution's request and issued a protection order prohibiting the men from approaching or contacting the two girls.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja prosecuted.

Lawyers Martin Fenech and Roberto Montalto were defence counsel.