Magistrate Antonio Mizzi this morning abstained from presiding over a court case involving Chief Justice Vincent deGaetano as parte civile in view of the current controversy between the Commission for the Administration of Justice and himself over his presidency of a sports organisation. The Chief Justice is vice-president of the commission.

In the case which appeared before Magistrate Mizzi, Roderick Pace, 24 of Gzira is accused of threatening Chief Justice deGaetano and his wife on November 9, 2007 in Regional Road, Gzira.

In a decree issued this morning, Magistrate Mizzi referred to the recent publication of correspondence between the Commission for the Administration of Justice and himself and Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco over their positions as presidents of sports organisations.

He also pointed out that the commission had asked the government to boycott him and Mr Justice Farruugia Sacco.

Dr Mizzi referred to the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure and said he had decide to abstain from hearing this case to that the justice was not only done but seen to be done, not only with the accused but also with parte civile.