Government 'didn't know' of sexual assault claims

The government has vehemently denied claims by the Opposition leader that it was aware of the sexual assault claims surrounding the son of Malta's Ambassador to Ireland.

The government said it was only alerted about the case through media reports on Friday afternoon.

Less than three weeks after his reappointment, Richard Muscat resigned on Saturday following an alleged sexual assault by his son in Dublin.

Irish media reports say that 20-year-old student Christina Leech-Cleary was walking home through Dublin's Herbert Park Road in the afternoon on October 24 last year, when she was confronted by a man who asked for directions.

The man then grabbed her, dragged her down the road and placed his hand down her top. The woman managed to escape, however, and contacted the police. The police have still not charged the ambassador's son.

During a radio intervention yesterday morning, Dr Sant said it was inconceivable how Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo were unaware of the case. On the contrary, both Dr Gonzi and Dr Frendo "had to be aware" of the developments, the Labour leader said.

He said the government had every reason to refrain from reappointing Mr Muscat to his post, especially after the investigations by the Auditor General over his handling of the Voice of the Mediterranean radio station. While asking whether diplomatic immunity had been requested, the Labour leader claimed there were other facts in the Muscat saga which have not yet been made public.

But a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister challenged Dr Sant to divulge these "facts".

"The Opposition leader today showed he has no scruples in twisting the facts against his adversaries... even if the situation is of a sensitive human nature. It is even more shameful considering the Opposition leader is aware of the condition of Mr Muscat's son."

The ambassador's son is known to suffer from mental health problems, something that had been confirmed by his psychiatrist.

The OPM condemned Dr Sant's comments and said they reflected a leader who is bent on driving a government solely for Labourites, without any consideration for his adversaries.

Likewise, in a statement, Dr Frendo accused Dr Sant of reverting to his mud-slinging tactics.

The ministry reiterated that not only had diplomatic immunity not been invoked in Mr Muscat's case, but that the ministry immediately informed the Irish government that it was renouncing the immunity clause once it became aware of the case.

In his letter to Dr Frendo, relayed to the media yesterday, Mr Muscat wrote:

"While I maintain my son's innocence, and while I reserve the right to defend my son's name, I believe it is appropriate to resign from my post."

Dr Frendo accepted the resignation and thanked Mr Muscat for the service he has given to the promotion of the excellent relations between Malta and Ireland during his term of office.