A Libyan man was yesterday charged with trying to rape another man in St Paul’s Bay early on Wednesday morning.

Anis Khalifa Elekkari, 23, from Libya, but who lives in St Paul’s Bay, was accused of trying to rape the man, holding him against his will and threatening to kill him.

He was also accused of violently and indecently assaulting him, violently forcing him to do something against his will, performing indecent acts in public and slightly injuring him.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna heard Elekkari plead not guilty to the charges brought against him.

He also heard defence counsel Patrick Valentino request that his client is granted bail. Prosecuting officer Louise Calleja objected, saying that the prosecution’s main concern is that the accused absconds and that he approaches the alleged victim to influence him. She said the accused said it was the first time he met the alleged victim and that the rape had not occurred because the alleged victim had resisted the attack.

Magistrate Apap Bologna turned down the request for bail and the accused was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Louise Calleja prosecuted while Dr Patrick Valentino appeared for the accused as legal aid.