Two Syrian men were yesterday charged with attacking and injuring a traffic policeman who pulled them over for speeding in Attard on Monday.

The men’s lawyer George Cutajar said his clients, who were refugees and were in Malta legally, acted out of fear since they thought the officer would arrest them and deport them to their war-torn country.

The men are Al SalehKasem, 26, and Maher Hamed, 18. They pleaded not guiltyto the charges that included slightly injuring police constable Robert Vassallo and trying to seriously injure him whenthey drove their car athis motorcycle.

They were also charged with assaulting Mr Vassallo, damaging his bike and disobeying police.

Mr Kasem, who was atthe wheel, was charged withdriving without a licence or insurance cover, driving dangerously and speeding.

Dr Cutajar said although he did not justify his clients’ actions, one had to understand the context that made them fear the officer.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana, who prosecuted together with inspector Jonathan Ransley, said such attacks on police officers should not be tolerated.

The men were grantedbail against a €1,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of €5,000 each.