A 42-year-old Palestinian man was arraigned under arrest after the Maltese authorities received a European Arrest Warrant asking for his extradition to face charges in Italy in connection with human trafficking and crimes related to organised crime.

Osama Ebeid, who resides in Paola, is sought by the Tribunale di Modica for allegedly conspiring to transport irregular migrants and for other charges related to human trafficking

Senior Counsel to the Republic Donatella Frendo Dimech said the man is wanted in Italy and that the Italian authorities issued the European Arrest Warrant.

Defence lawyer Joe Brincat requested bail for Mr Ebeid but presiding Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona turned down the request and remanded the accused in custody.

In a separate hearing, Mr Ebeid pleaded not guilty to the charges of human trafficking on 23 March 2005 and before.

He also pleaded not guilty to organising and conspiring to commit a crime with a group of people.

Prosecuting inspector Chris Pullicino told the court that on 23 March 2005, a number of Chinese migrants were abandoned in the waters between Malta and Sicily. One of these identified Mr Ebeid. Furthermore, he added, six Chinese migrants had died as a result.

Magistrate Micallef Trigona again denied the defence’s request for bail and remanded Mr Ebeid in custody.

Dr Frendo Dimech represented the Attorney General while Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino and Mario Haber prosecuted.