A magisterial inquiry has been launched into an anonymous letter which Magistrate Nadine Lia received on Tuesday.

The letter, according to state broadcaster Television Malta which was the first to report its existence, warns Lia that her career and personal life were at stake.

TVM stated that the letter said that Magistrate Lia should have recused herself from challenge proceedings it is hearing in connection with Pilatus Bank.

Magistrate Lia is the magistrate presiding over challenge proceedings filed by NGO Repubblika requested that the Police Commissioner prosecute several individuals named by the Pilatus Bank inquiry.

Repubblika have said that the inquiry, which was concluded in March 2021, ordered the police to press money laundering and criminal conspiracy charges against several individuals including “close friends” of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his chief of staff Keith Schembri.

The proceedings were assigned to Lia, who usually hears such cases, but the NGO immediately asked her to recuse herself on the basis that she is married to the son of Joseph Muscat’s lawyer Pawlu Lia.

Thus far, she has refused to recuse herself, prompting the NGO to file a constitutional case on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Repubblika said that it condemns without reservation any form of threats.

“Whenever it felt that it was just and proportionate, Repubblika criticised Magistrate Nadine Lia in an open manner.  That is how criticism should be done, and not through threats and hidden actions.  Any disagreement should be expressed in a civil manner and within the limits of the law,” the NGO said.

“We augur that the authorities investigate and take all the necessary action according to the law,” it added.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard meanwhile took to social media to condemn the letter, saying that no form of threat can be ever be tolerated.

“Anybody who believes in rule of law must respect the judicial process and more so leave it to play out in court as per the country’s laws.  That is what respecting the institutions looks like,” Attard said.