Somali, Libyan remanded in custody after Paceville brawl

A Somali and a Libyan who injured each other with a broken glass bottle during a fight in Paceville were remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Mohammed Ibrahim Abdalla, 19, who lives in Marsaskala, was charged with seriously injuring Tripoli-born Miloud Elforjani after a fight broke out in Paceville in the early hours of yesterday.

Elforjani was charged with slightly injuring Abdalla.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Standing before Magistrate Gabriella Vella, Abdalla claimed that the fight broke out after three Libyans, including Elforjani, tried to steal his mobile phone in Paceville at about 3:00am. During the fight, Abdalla was slightly injured, while on his part, the Libyan was grievously injured.

Prosecuting inspector Elton Taliana said the injuries were caused with a broken glass bottle.

The court denied bail to both men, fearing they would abscond.