MegaUpload judge quits case following 'enemy' comments

After making remarks critical of the U.S. government's attempts to strengthen international copyright law, the judge at the center of MegaUpload founder Kim DotCom's extradition proceedings has stepped down from the case.

"He recognizes that remarks made in the context of a paper he delivered on copyright law at a recent Internet conference could reflect on his impartiality and that the appropriate response is for him to step down from the case," the district court's chief judge, Jan-Marie Doogue, said in the Herald.

The U.S. is pushing for New Zealand and others to adopt tougher copyright restrictions as part of the agreement.

Dotcom remains in New Zealand as he battles extradition to the United States on criminal charges.

The case will now be heard in March 2013 by Judge Nevin Dawson, who has previously heard parts of the case and made the decision to grant DotCom bail earlier this year.