The three youths accused of maritime piracy in the case about the ship El Hiblu 1 have not been granted bail after a joint request to this effect was turned down by Mr. Justice Giovanni Grixti on a procedural point.

The three accused, aged 15,16 and 19 remain in police custody. Earlier this week, a court of magistrates ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the youths to be indicted.

In court, the Attorney General observed that there was a missing signature on the joint bail application. It was argued that all three of the accused’s lawyers had to sign the bail application and that it was not clear who was appearing for whom.

The defence lawyers will now have to re-apply for bail, filing separate applications after the Easter holidays.