The trial by bench of four migrants accused of rape started behind closed doors today.

The three Somalis and a Sudanese are accused of having raped a girl in March 2007.

Their trial was delayed for five years, with a number of lawyers having renounced the case over the years.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia ruled that the case would be heard behind closed doors because of its sensitive nature. The verdict will be delivered by the judge, without a jury.

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