The Chamber of Advocates slammed a statement issued by the Association of Judges and Magistrates justifying a decision taken by four judges to approve two law students for a warrant despite court sentences finding them guilty of theft and falsification.

Addressing a rare press conference, chamber president George Hyzler said his association felt "disturbed" by the judiciary's statement.

Instead of admitting a gross mistake by the four judges involved, the association was trying to justify their actions with which they ignored court sentences finding the two students guilty.

Dr Hyzler described as a "red herring" the justification of the judiciary that the students had an unblemished certificate of conduct.

"The chamber really cannot understand what the judges wanted to say and whether they are saying that an admission of theft and falsification is tantamount to good conduct and good morals.”

Dr Hyzler said the judiciary was obliged to hold the legal profession and justice high and called for such gaffes not to be repeated.

Asked by Times of Malta whether the chamber knew about the new 'right' given by the Justice Minsiter for incriminating court documents to be removed from online public records, Dr Hyzler said the chamber was surprised about this and was never consulted.

Although the chamber has its reservations, it would take a formal position in the coming weeks.