Two Egyptian men accused of raping a Filipino man while he was taking a stroll in Gnien il-Mall in Floriana have been remanded in custody.

Ramy Gamal Elasrag, 33, stands accused of violently raping the Filipino man while Helmy Mohamed Elmosaty, 24, has been accused of being an accomplice in the crime. The two pleaded not guilty but did not make a request for bail.

Mr Elmosaty lives on a boat and is unemployed. Mr Elasrag resides in Marsaxlokk and is also unemployed.

Lawyers Noel Bartolo and David Gatt appeared on behalf of the accused.

Magistrate Doreen Clark presided over the case.

Police Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Jeffrey Scicluna prosecuted.