The three migrants charged with the seizure of a merchant vessel have been refused bail.

A joint request to this effect was turned down by Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti on a procedural point.

The accused, aged 15, 16 and 19, and charged with seizing control of the ship El Hiblu 1 through the use or threat of force and intimidation, remain in police custody.

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Earlier in the week, a court of magistrates ruled there was sufficient evidence for the youths to be indicted.

In court, the Attorney General observed that there was a missing signature on the joint bail application. It was argued that all three of the accused’s lawyers had to sign the bail application and it was not clear who was appearing for whom.

Defence lawyers will now have to reapply for bail, filing separate applications after the Easter holidays.