The Judiciary Association today expressed its solidarity with a magistrate who received an anonymous letter in which the sender/s threatened to break up her marriage and career.

“We told you to move aside”, the opening line of the letter said, according to a statement issued by the Judiciary Association.

“Now see us break your career and marriage. Happy like this! Next time obey us as others have done. Yes to omerta (code of silence), no to challenge”.

The letter was left at the residence of Magistrate Nadine Lia, at the centre of a controversy afte she refused to recuse herself from hearing a case filed by Repubblika against the police commissioner and attorney general. Lia is the daughter in law of lawyer Pawlu Lia, who is the defence lawyer of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Repubblika has condemned the threats received by the magistrate. An inquiry has also been launched.

After holding a meeting on the request of the magistrate, the association said that such intimidation is to be condemned and cannot be acceptable in a democratic society that endorses the principle of the rule of law.

A magistrate or judge must be left to carry out his or her duties with serenity and without pressure, and without fear for himself or herself and the family. While it is acceptable that Lia has received criticism for her operations, this should never lead to pressure, intimidation and threats.

The association, as well as the Chief Justice, expressed their solidarity with all members of the judiciary who receive threats and call on the responsible authorities to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.