Three Gozitan men were yesterday charged with gang-raping a 21-year-old woman in a construction site in Qala early on Wednesday morning.

The three men appeared before Magistrate Paul Coppini and pleaded not guilty.

Despite the prosecution's objections, they were granted bail.

Paul Xerri, 46, from Xagħra, Mark Cutajar, 31, and Aaron Camilleri, 28, both from Nadur, pleaded not guilty to raping the woman, who is from Qala, holding her against her will and slightly injuring her.

Police Inspector Josric Mifsud, prosecuting, objected to a request for bail arguing that important prosecution witnesses still had to testify. Furthermore, there was the possibility that the accused would tamper with the evidence.

However, the court upheld the request and granted Mr Xerri and Mr Camilleri bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a €2,000 personal guarantee. Mr Cutajar, who the court heard is believed to have been the mastermind behind the gang rape, was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €4,000.

Lawyers Manuel Mallia and Anton Refalo were defence counsel.

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