Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There have been references in the media to the case of the driver of the High Commissioner of Malta in London who is being charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and that the driver claimed diplomatic immunity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to state that no instructions were given to this effect and that, in fact, neither the High Commissioner or any other diplomat in the High Commission requested diplomatic immunity for the driver.

In any event, the driver in question does not hold diplomatic status and therefore does not benefit from any form of diplomatic privilage or immunity.