The civil case over the Gaffarena expropriation scandal involving property in Old Mint Street was today put off to a later date when the Prime Minister would be expected to take the witness stand.

The case was instituted by the Prime Minister against Marco Gaffarena and his wife Josielle in January 2016 to revoke the transfer of property after his own government had, in 2015, acquired one-half undivided share of a palazzo in Old Mint Street from the Gaffarena spouses and had paid them compensation to the tune of around €3.4 million.

After failing to make an appearance at last month's sitting, the Prime Minister had filed a note to inform the court of his absence at today's sitting wherein he was expected to take the witness stand and had indicated an alternative date.

The First Hall of the Civil Court, presided by Madame Justice Anna Felice, declared that it was willing to put off the case to April 19, the date indicated by the Office of the Prime Minister, purposely for Dr Muscat, the last witness, to be able to testify.

Addressing the legal team from the Attorney General's Office, headed by Peter Grech himself, the judge declared that they were to make sure that the Prime Minister would keep his appointment.

Dr Grech replied that the agreed date had been suggested directly by the OPM in line with the Prime Minister's schedule.

Dr Grech, together with lawyers Victoria Buttigieg and Christian Falzon Scerri from his office, were counsel to the Prime Minister.

Lawyer Keith Bonnici was counsel to the Gaffarenas.

Lawyers Peter Caruana Galizia and Tanya Sciberras Camilleri appeared on behalf of the co-owners of the expropriated property who were joined in the suit.