Retired magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna passed away this evening aged 66.
He died at his home in Mosta at about 9pm.

The police were called in but although the cause of death has still to be established, sources said he was believed to have died of natural causes.

Dr Apap Bologna was appointed magistrate on December 1, 1988 and retired from the bench in 2013. Only last month, he was appointed member of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption together with retired judge Lawrence Quintano and lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace for a five-year term.

He also chaired the mental health review tribunal.

Dr Apap Bologna was born on February 4, 1948 and was educated at St Aloysius College, in Birkirkara between 1956 and 1962. He graduated BA (general) and LL.D in 1968 and 1971 respectively after obtaining a diploma as notary public in 1970 at the Royal University of Malta.

He married Mariella nèe Stilon on June 3, 1984 and had two children, Louisa and Paul. He was also a grandfather.

The government and the Nationalist Party expressed its condolences. The government praised the magistrate for having been fair, honest and knowledgeable in the law.

The PN said the former magistrate will also be remembered for his loyalty to the country and the respect he enjoyed.