A Libyan man has been charged with grievously injuring his flatmate in an argument which the police said could have been triggered by the ongoing political tensions between the two rival governments that ruled Libya until recently.

Almalloshi Mohamad Abdolqasim, 25, who is unemployed, this morning denied all charges before Magistrate Neville Camilleri.

The incident happened yesterday morning at around 8am outside the social security office in Dingli Street, Sliema.

The court heard that the defendant hit his flatmate with whom he had been residing for some time, with a set of keys, causing him facial lacerations.

Police inspector Jonathan Ransley said that the accused together with his partner had been offered to reside in the victim’s apartment in St Julian’s, but the relationship between the two Libyans turned sour.

However, he pointed out that the disagreement could have been fuelled by the contrasting political beliefs of the two Libyans regarding the two rival governments which until recently ruled their home country.

During submissions for bail defence lawyer Roberto Montalto told the court that his client had been acting in self-defence and that he was residing in Zurrieq in order to be away from the other party.

The prosecution, however, objected, saying the defendant had already changed his address three times in recent months. It also expressed concern that the Libyans might once again come into contact with each other and rekindle the issue.

The man was granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €10,000. He was also ordered to report daily at the Zurrieq police station and to remain indoors between 8pm and 6am. Furthermore, the court warned him not to approach the alleged victim.