Three men were charged yesterday with lending money at higher interest rates than that permitted by law.

In three separate arraignments before presiding Magistrate Silvio Meli, Raymond Mallia, 46, from Msida, Francis Farrugia, 46, from Hamrun and Paul Mallia, 26, from Qormi were charged with usury on 24 September and before with threatening the debtor and his family with violence if he did not pay the high interest rates they were demanding.

Mr Mallia and Mr Farrugia also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

The court granted the three men bail against a personal guarantee of Lm1,000 each.

Police Inspector Ian Joseph Abdilla prosecuted.

Dr Anglu Farrugia and Dr Chris Cardona appeared for Raymond Mallia, Dr Chris Cardona appeared for Mr Farrugia and Dr Joe Zammit Mckeon appeared for Paul Mallia.