A 55-year-old Tunisian was remanded in custody after he was charged with the human trafficking and rape of one Tunisian woman. He was also charged with assaulting the woman, causing her slight injuries.

The man, Mohamed El Herzi, is often in Malta on business. He had met the woman while in Palermo and later they met in Malta.

The incidents occurred in September 2014 and in the preceding months.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale presided. Dr Joseph Mizzi appeared for the accused, while Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted.