Updated with minister's reaction 

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna has described MEP David Casa as 'pathetic' for saying he had endorsed a Facebook comment for him to be hanged, insisting that this had been an obvious mistake and he meant no harm to anyone.

The minister's reply on Facebook came several hours after the Nationalist MEP said he would file a police report against a man who in a comment under a Facebook post by Prof Scicluna called for the Nationalist MEP to be hanged.

A police report would also be filed against the minister "for having endorsed it".

Mr Casa said in a statement that following weeks of criticism over his handling of Pilatus Bank and the performance of the FIAU and the MFSA for which he was politically responsible, Prof. Scicluna took to Facebook to repeat the Labour Party’s preferred narrative. He had also accused him of working against Malta's interests.

"This generated numerous hateful posts from his supporters, one of which called for my hanging, which the minister endorsed. This has crossed the line. It is outrageous, dangerous and criminal. The call for my death has been on Edward Scicluna’s Facebook page for over 15 hours. Inciting hatred and violence is a crime that has no place in our society."

"Edward Scicluna allowed himself to become part of a concerted effort to silence anyone that that stands for justice and accountability. His continued stewardship of Malta’s finances constitutes a serious threat to the financial sector and the many livelihoods that depend on it,” the MEP argued. 

He attached a picture showing the minister had 'liked' the threatening comment.

Both PN leader Adrian Delia and his predecessor Simon Busuttil condemned the message. 

Minister reacts, says it was an obvious mistake

In a reaction on Facebook the minister said one had to be pathetic or in a state of panic to even think that he wished harm to anyone. A phone call or e-mail would have been enough to correct what was an obvious mistake, he said.

The only weapon the electorate had in a democracy was the vote, he added. 

Casa is playing the victim - PL 

In a reaction, the Labour Party said Mr Casa was acting 'like a desperate politician' because he was constantly losing support within the Nationalist Party and feared losing his seat in Brussels.

"That is why he is busy playing the victim. He wants the people to believe that Professor Edward Scicluna wants him dead. Nothing but another hilarious invention. Had Casa not been one of the devious minds behind the Egrant saga, nobody would have believed he is capable of coming up with such a statement. However, we are now fully aware that Casa and his colleagues will stop at nothing to gain power," the PL said.

Read: Brussels 'pressured EBA to make example of FIAU', minister charges