A man charged with the defiling of an 11-year-old girl today filed a judicial protest arguing that his fundamental human rights were being breached.

The 26-year-old man was charged with defiling the girl two weeks ago.

Defence lawyer Marion Camilleri argued that although the girl was 11, she indicated she was looking for a relationship on her Facebook page and said she was 21 on Hi-5. She also used a photo of a much older person.

The lawyers argued that the accused, presumed innocent until proven otherwise, was still in custody in preventive arrest as, instead of being heard on the day he was charged the case, meant to be heard today, had now been postponed to October 15, the last date permitted by law.

During this period, the accused was being held in prison, waiting for the opportunity to prove his innocence and for the main witness, the minor, to be heard.

The accused was today informed that his case was being postponed as the magistrate was indisposed. This was in breach of his fundamental rights which guaranteed hearing within reasonable time, the lawyers said, adding they were holding the Attorney General and Police Commissioner responsible for damages.