Alex Borg calls for magisterial inquiry into prison scandals
Call follows Chamber of Advocates protest and discovery of internet-connected laptop in inmate’s cell
Opposition leader Alex Borg has called for a magisterial inquiry into the Corradino Correctional Facility following a series of scandals involving the prison system this week.
Speaking during an interview on NET on Sunday, Borg said he was “shocked” by reports that confidential conversations between lawyers and their clients at the prison were being recorded.
He also referred to the discovery of a laptop with internet access in the cell of convicted murderer Adrian Agius, known as Ta’ Maksar.
“We believe there shouldn’t just be an internal inquiry. There should also be a magisterial inquiry, and if there is need be to go beyond that as well.”
Borg said such an inquiry would help identify the reforms needed at the prison and restore public trust in the country’s correctional system.
“This would give peace of mind to the people about their security.”
Earlier this week, Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield said an internal inquiry had been started after prison officials found a laptop connected to the internet in a prison cell.
The laptop was seized from the cell of Agius, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop.
In a separate development, the Chamber of Advocates filed a judicial protest against the prime minister and government officials over the alleged surveillance, monitoring and recording of privileged communications between lawyers and their clients at the Corradino Correctional Facility.
Court lawyers in Malta and Gozo are expected to strike on Monday, June 22, in protest.
Borg was speaking a day after the opening of parliament. During the interview, he also referred to the number of women elected to parliament, saying his party had helped elect more women MPs.
This year’s general election saw a record 10 women elected to parliament on the first day of counting. Five more women were elected through casual elections, while another 12 parliamentarians were elected through the gender corrective mechanism.
Borg said that, as a result, it may be time to consider setting up childcare facilities for parliament.
“So that those mothers in parliament, as well as those fathers who come to parliament, have somewhere to leave the children in the same building.”
He said this would make it easier for MPs with children to also attend to their parliamentary duties.
Borg also said he wanted to introduce changes within the Nationalist Party, including a reform that would allow it to have two deputy leaders.
One deputy leader would be responsible for parliamentary affairs, while the other would focus on party affairs, he said.
Borg argued that the change would help improve the party’s efficiency.
He also said his shadow cabinet would be announced in the coming days.