Police file charges against three people

The police yesterday filed charges in court against two examiners employed by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and a driving school instructor in connection with bribery allegations made over the past weeks.

The office of the Court Registrar declined to say anything on the matter. When contacted to enquire on whether the charges had indeed been filed or whether any people were arraigned, a journalist overheard a person at the office saying: "the press is on the line asking on the ADT case... cut it short".

Deputy Registrar Paul Meruzzi too declined to say anything, adding the press had no right to such information according to law.

"I will not help you in a fishing expedition," he insisted, adding, when asked to say which part of the law he was referring to, "those are my orders... I have sought legal advise on the matter".

Legal sources told The Times the at this stage of the process the charges are not in the public domain. However, this does necessarily mean that the fact that charges have been filed or that a magistrate has been assigned could not be confirmed officially.

Police sources confirmed that the charges have indeed been filed and that a magistrate should be assigned to the case on Monday.

Reports on MaltaToday alleged among other things that applicants for driving tests were asked for money in exchange of an assurance that they would pass the test and so get a licence.

Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett had told The Times that while it may be too early to apportion blame in the case of alleged abuses by driving examiners, the ADT would be launching a review of its structures.