‘Inhuman’ prison conditions remain, despite new focus on inmate wellbeing 

Updated 3.05pm with CSA reaction

Malta’s prison remains overcrowded and dilapidated, with inmates in one division experiencing “inhuman and degrading” conditions, although a new focus on prisoners’ rights and welfare was a welcome step, a Council of Europe committee has found. 

The committee, which focuses on the prevention of torture and inhuman treatment, published its findings on Thursday. In its report, it outlines the state of Malta’s places of detention, including the Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) as well as detention centres for young offenders and undocumented migrants.  

The report is based on the delegation’s visit in September 2023. A TimesTalk podcast filmed inside CCF earlier this year revealed that while some divisions were in dire need of refurbishment, efforts to modernise the facility were ongoing, with several works having been carried out in recent months. 

The group points to the prison’s “new operational strategy” since previous visits, saying it welcomed the greater focus on psychological support, prisoners’ rights and wellbeing. Medical facilities, in particular, had seen “significant improvements” since a 2015 visit. 

Nevertheless, the delegation found that the conditions across CCF at the time of the visit were poor, citing peeling plaster, visible mould and humidity, and leaking ceilings, as well as poorly-ventilated cells with tiny windows. 

The delegation describes the prison, built in 1842, as “a relic of the Victorian-era…in constant need of refurbishment and upgrade”. 

The report details how some cells in the notorious maximum-security Division 6 had no windows at all, with inmates locked in their insect-infested cells for 23 hours a day with nothing to do, surrounded by noisy air-conditioning units. 

Division 6 has long been controversial, often used for disciplinary measures and as an induction wing. 

In its replies to the delegation, government pointed to several infrastructural improvements since the time of the delegation’s visit, as well as plans to open a new wing. 

The windows in Division 6 cells are being enlarged, the government said, and the division is now only being used “as a last resort” for segregation purposes, rather than to welcome new inmates. 

Inmates in the Division will also enjoy the same conditions as those in other Divisions, including equal access to outdoor yards and activities, the government promised. 

Meanwhile, the report outlines how, despite being designed for a single inmate, most of the prison’s 473 cells are home to two inmates, leading to overcrowded conditions. 

Given the prison’s size limitations, prisoner numbers remain a constant problem, the delegation says. 

The report outlines the delegation’s “surprise” at finding that almost half the prison population (roughly 300 inmates) were incarcerated because they were awaiting trial.  

Call to introduce electronic tagging

Introducing better alternatives to detention, particularly electronic tagging, would help ease the prison population and improve conditions within the facility, the delegation says. 

A bill to introduce electronic tagging was presented in parliament late last year but has yet to be approved. 

The delegation also called on authorities to reconsider a provision in the law preventing persons incarcerated for life from applying for parole,a measure the government said it is “considering”. 

The delegation also described having a “better impression” of Malta’s immigration facilities compared to a previous visit in 2020. 

Detention centres remain unsanitary

The delegation visited the Safi Detention Centre, as well as reception centres in Ħal Far and Mara, together with Dar il-Liedna. 

Back in 2020, many of these facilities were overrun with residents, severely impacting their quality of life.  

A dip in arrivals in recent years has meant that conditions have improved, although several severe shortcomings remain. 

The delegation describes “unsanitary” and “mouldy” toilets, along with dirty mattresses and blankets. Meanwhile, most of the male units had showers that did not work at all.  

Detainees also had an “unacceptably poor” daily regime, often afforded less than three hours of outdoor time, rather than unrestricted access to the yard. 

And staff members frequently referred to detainees by their police numbers rather than their names, the delegation said. 

In its replies, the government said that large parts of the Safi Detention Centre had undergone extensive refurbishment since the delegation’s visit, with conditions improved. 

It is also “very difficult” to call detainees by their name in dormitories given that many of them share similar names, the government said. 

“Since many of the inmates who are of Asian and Arabic origin share the same faith, Islam, it is not uncommon to have cases where multiple inmates have the same name.” 

However, staff address detainees by their name during individual sessions or assessments, authorities said. 

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri however hailed the report as "the most positive report ever issued about Malta in the areas of prisons, immigration, and even the police."

In a Facebook post Camilleri said the report "highlights not only several positive changes but also ongoing reforms—some of which are still being addressed today."

He added that while the report points out areas for improvement, the government is "strongly committed" to "continue with the same positive efforts".

The prison also reacted to the Council of Europe visit and pointed to "clear progress in prison reform, particularly at Corradino Correctional Facility and the Centre of Residential Restorative Service". 

"While challenges remain, such as limited infrastructure, the Government remains firmlycommitted to continued reform, focused on dignity, rehabilitation, and humane treatmentfor all persons in custody.challenges remain," the Correctional Services Agency said.  

CSA said that it has implemented several changes since the CoE visit. 

"Many of the CPT’s recommendations have already been implemented or arecurrently being addressed," they said.

CSA pointed to a new kitchen and induction hub education initiative and child-friendly facilities. 

"Educational opportunities have more than doubled, and ongoing efforts include the refurbishment of accommodation areas and the introduction of new, child-friendly visiting spaces designed to foster stronger family ties," they said.