VALLETTA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 22 migrants were taken to Malta's Magistrates Court on Wednesday over their alleged involvement in the violent protest that broke out on Monday night at the Safi detention center.
The men, who entered the court handcuffed together with cable ties at the wrist, pleaded not guilty to insulting and threatening public officers, violently resisting arrest, slightly injuring the officers, disobeying their orders, participating in a riot, conspiring to commit a crime and causing damage to government property.
They were also charged with throwing stones and other hard objects.
Most of the migrants who appeared in court were Sudanese citizens. They were aged between 15 and 44.
The protests broke out on Monday evening and escalated further during the night, requiring the intervention of police officers, including the riot police.
The police said the migrants had attempted to rush the gate, throwing stones at the police and detention officers. Items in the sleeping quarters were also damaged.
