A lawyer complained in court this afternoon that a law was amended through legal notice within 24 hours of a court decision favouring his client.

As a result, a man whose extradition to Italy was refused because he had not been formally charged in that country now faced the possibility of still being extradited.

The case involves Philip Mifsud, who is wanted by the Italian authorities for allegedly smuggling more than 18,000 kilograms of cigarettes into the country.

In November last year a judge turned down the request, noting that Mr Mifsud had not been charged of any crime in Italy.

Lawyer Joe Giglio observed in court that a day later the government presented a legal notice widening the definition given to a 'wanted person' encompassing people under investigation - even though they would not have been charged.

Italy then filed a second extradition request and a second European arrest warrant was issued.

The second extradition request started being considered by the courts this morning. Mr Mifsud was taken to court under arrest. He contested the extradition request.

Dr Giglio requested bail. He said his client had always obeyed conditions. Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €4,000.

The accused was also assisted by lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell.