Two brothers who allegedly attacked a lesbian because of her
sexuality will appear in court to face charges, it has
emerged.
The incident, which happened in Malta, has shocked residents and
created fresh debate about the need for homophobic hate crimes to
become part of Maltese law.
According to the Times of Malta, the sixteen year-old victim was
attacked on 13 January when sitting on a public bench in Hamrun
Square with her girlfriend.
She was subjected to verbal abuse before the assault, which left
her with a fractured nose, a grazed face and bruises on her
breasts.
Her girlfriend suffered bruises and scratches.
Now, following public anger at the incident, local police
informed the Times of Malta that charges were formally issued
against the boys, who have been summoned to turn up in court to
face the charges.
The charges include assaulting and injuring the girls.
Currently, Maltese law only offers hate crime protection on the
basis of race.
