Nationalist MP Francis Zammit Dimech was among three Seabank Hotel directors, two directors of a construction company and three architects who were yesterday charged with the involuntary homicide of a Latvian worker.

The defendants are: Etienne Bartolo, 37, from Żebbuġ, Angelus Bartolo, 62, from Żebbuġ, Dr Zammit Dimech, 60, from St Julian’s, Arthur Gauci, 46, from Mellieħa and Sylvius Debono, 56, also from Mellieħa; and architects Robert Sant, 52, from Balzan, Reuben Gatt, 40, from Marsa and Pierre Farrugia, 46, from Ta’ Xbiex.

They all pleaded not guilty to negligence that led to the death of the Latvian worker, Maksims Artamonovs, 27, who was crushed to death in 2012 during works on the Mellieħa hotel.

Mr Artamonovs was dismantling scaffolding in the car park beneath a nightclub when the whole structure collapsed, killing him instantly.

The young man was employed by B&B Holdings and Investments Ltd, which was contracted to work on the hotel’s €20 million refurbishment.

The case started being heard by Magistrate Doreen Clarke yesterday. She heard a group of defence lawyers say they were contesting the case vehemently, as they believed there was “absolutely no criminal responsibility” in their clients’ actions. Dr Zammit Dimech, for example, is a non-executive director.

The court heard two witnesses who confirmed the report they had prepared for the magisterial inquiry.

The case continues next month.

Defence lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha, Giannella de Marco, Mario de Marco, Joe Giglio and Paul and Alessandro Lia appeared for the men.