Two Egyptian men were remanded in custody yesterday, having been charged over the rape of a Filipino man in a Floriana public garden on Monday evening.
Ramy Gamal Elasrag, 33, who lives in Marsaxlokk, and 24 year-old Helmy Mohamed Helmay Elmosaty, who said he lives on a boat, were charged with the sexual assault, which allegedly took place at around 11pm in Ġnien il-Mall.
Mr Elasrag was charged with the actual rape and with holding the man against his will.
Mr Elmosaty was charged with knowingly assisting the commission of a rape and with illegal arrest. Both pleaded not guilty.
Bail was not requested and Magistrate Doreen Clarke ordered that the two men be remanded in police custody.
Police Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Jeffrey Scicluna prosecuted.
Lawyer Noel Bartolo appeared for Mr Elasrag, while lawyer David Gatt for Mr Elmosaty.