The 25-year-old Libyan who was stabbed on Saturday following an argument sparked by political rivalry was charged yesterday with attempted grievous bodily harm.

Speaking in laboured breaths, Wades Al Maghrbi pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause Zouhir Elfezqa grievous harm, to causing him slight injuries with a pointed weapon, to sequestering and threatening him and to possessing a weapon.

The incident occurred at about 8.30am in a residence in Triq is-Sidra, Swieqi, when an argument was sparked over political rivalry between the two opposing Libyan governments of Tripoli and Tobruk.

Mr Al Maghrbi, who has humanitarian protection, was stabbed in the foot and his artery was severed, leaving him initially in a critical condition.

On Sunday, Zouhir Elfezqa, 31, was charged with attempted murder and inflicting grievous injuries. Mohammed Abdul Hafid Abukem, 21, had also been arraigned and accused of attempting to inflict grievous injuries to Mr Elfezqa.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud said that conflicts from other countries should not be imported to Malta, creating unnecessary alarm, which was then used by some to attack genuine refugees.

The accused was remanded in custody.

Inspectors Elton Taliana and James Grech prosecuted.

Lawyer Gianluca Caruana Curran was defence counsel.