Libyan political rivalry turned into courtroom drama yesterday after the girlfriend of a Libyan man was caught taking photos of a witness.

The woman had entered the courtroom and sat down next to one of two Libyans facing charges over a knifing incident in Swieqi as another Libyan was testifying.

She used her mobile phone to take photos of the witness Mohammed Hafed al-Arara, who was testifying against her boyfriend’s younger brother, who stands charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli confiscated the mobile phone and ordered the Police Commissioner to take any steps he deemed necessary against the woman.

Photos of the witness were found on her phone.

The magistrate also ordered police protection for the witness.

The incident happened during the continuation of the compilation of evidence against Zouhir Elfezqa and Mohammed Abdul Hafid Abukem (the brother of the woman’s boyfriend) over a knifing incident on January 30.

Mr Elfezqa and Mr al-Arara were sleeping in the apartment when Mr Abukem and Wadea Al Maghrbi knocked on the door.

Mr al-Arara opened and the two visitors dragged Mr Elfezqa out of bed, the court heard.

They allegedly started hitting Mr Elfezqa with a pipe and accusing him of “collaborating” with the Tripoli police. The two aggressors had penknives, according to Mr al-Arara.

Mr al-Arara testified that he saw Mr Abukem approach his flatmate, hit him on the head and draw his penknife from his belt.

However, he did not see the knives being used since he left the apartment to seek police help.

It appears that Mr Elfezqa fought his assailants and at some point knifed Mr Al Maghrbi in his left thigh.

The police have pressed charges against all three. The case against Mr Al Maghrbi started being heard last Friday.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi, appearing for Mr Elfezqa, insisted his client acted in self-defence.

Mr Elfezqa was granted bail against a deposit of €2,300 and a personal guarantee of €15,000. Mr Abukem was remanded in custody.

The case continues.