Two police officers have appeared in court on Monday morning charged over a man’s death whilst in police custody at the police’s Floriana headquarters.

28-year-old Stacy Gatt from Żebbuġ and Karl Nikolai Vella Cassia, 35, from Rabat were charged before magistrate Doreen Clarke with the involuntary homicide of Richmond Tong.

Tong died after suffering a seizure in his cell at the police headquarters during the night of 24 June 2020. He is believed to have been taken into custody after police stopped his car for breaching traffic regulations and discovered cannabis inside the vehicle when it was searched.

Vella Cassia alone was also charged with giving false testimony under oath before inquiring magistrate Josette Demicoli.

Both of the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

The proceedings come after an official announcement last month stating that two police officers would be charged in connection with the man’s death, but giving no further details.

Both officers are understood to have been suspended from their duties in view of the pending criminal case.

Last year, Tong’s family had filed a judicial letter accusing the state of being responsible for his death and demanding compensation.

The case continues in September.

Police inspector Darryl Borg is prosecuting.

Lawyer Giannella de Marco assisted Gatt, while lawyer Joe Giglio represented Vella Cassia.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Francesca Zarb appeared for the victim’s family.