Former Maltese ambassador to Libya Franklin Aquilina has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including rape, involving a woman who worked under him at Malta’s embassy in Tripoli.Aquilina, 51, appeared in court today facing 11 charges linked to alleged offences said to have taken place between October 2025 and March and this year, some of them allegedly occurring inside the Maltese embassy in Libya as reported by Times of Malta.According to the charge sheet, Aquilina is accused of raping the woman shortly after taking up his diplomatic post, as well as engaging in repeated sexual acts without her consent.He is also charged with using threats, pressure and abuse to control the alleged victim, as well as unlawfully holding her against her will and committing acts that offended her sexual dignity.Additional charges include allegations of physical, psychological and emotional abuse, threats to report or defame her, and restricting her access to money, food, education or work.Several charges are further aggravated by claims that the alleged offences were committed repeatedly and that Aquilina abused his position of authority over the woman.During proceedings, the defence requested that the case be heard behind closed doors, arguing that it involved sensitive diplomatic matters. However, the court rejected the request, ruling that the reasons given were insufficient to exclude the public from the hearing.The court also ordered that the alleged victim’s identity must not be published.Aquilina was later granted bail after the court noted that he had complied with police bail conditions since May and no longer holds a position at the Maltese embassy in Libya.He was ordered to sign a bail book three times a week, observe a curfew and abide by a protection order issued in favour of the alleged victim.He appeared before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech.If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support is available through Victim Support Malta on 116 006 and Appoġġ on 179.•