Support us!

Tag: CCF

Vigil in remembrance of dead prisoners

NGOs, academics ask for the reinstatement of access to corradino

On Saturday 14 November we participated in a vigil in remembrance of the prisoners who lost their lives at Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF). Our Director delivered a brief speech, emphasising the need for truth and justice in order to clarify who caused or prevented the deaths.

“The reign of terror instituted by former prison director Alex Dalli is a clear factor leading to this loss of life,” the group said. “His resignation, and far less his self-suspension, will not bring these victims back,” the groups stated.


“We remain in the dark about the facts which led to these deaths, despite the internal inquiries that have been launched. Colonel Dalli had also restricted access to journalists and activists, turning Corradino into his own fortress.

Without access to Corradino, it became easier for Dalli to run the prisons without any oversight whatsoever.”


Activists are also asking new prison director Robert Brincau to reinstate access to the prisons to both NGOs and media. “Not only will this serve to make the prison administration more transparent, but it would mark a clear departure from Dalli’s horrific methods.”

The coalition of NGOs has also called for a safe and humane environment for prisoners. “We want to see a prison that truly rehabilitates people, not tortures them. Above all, we want to see an end to the system of abuse that was created under Dalli, and prevent any further deaths.”

The groups also noted the start of an inquiry by the independent Ombudsman, and expects Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri to shoulder political responsibility for the findings of this report. “Besides the inquiry led by handpicked personnel, Minister Camilleri should also consider the results of an independent inquiry which the Ombudsman is holding out of his own initiative, following numerous reports of maladministration.”

This event is endorsed by:

  • Moviment Graffitti
  • Releaf
  • The Department of Inclusion and Access to Learning (University of Malta)
  • KOPIN
  • Drachma
  • Studenti Ħarsien Soċjali
  • Prof. Andrew Azzopardi
  • Integra Foundation
  • SOS Malta
  • aditus foundation
  • Alleanza Kontra l-Faqar
  • Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Education

Court Action: “Malta cannot wave the LGBTIQ flag, here and overseas, if it refuses to protect the most vulnerable and marginalised persons in the community.”

On 12 July we filed a human rights application in Court, together with our Litigation Partners Mifsud and Mifsud Advocates, on behalf of 7 trans women currently inmates at Corradino Correctional Facility.

The 7 women are alleging that their experiences in Corradino amount to serious violations of their right to be protected from inhuman and degrading treatment, their right to a private life and their right to be free from discrimination.

Our application stresses the duty of Government to ensure the dignified treatment and protection of all inmates, with specific attention required for particular groups persons such as vulnerable groups.

This particular attention is also required in the context of assessments as to whether treatment amounts to inhuman and degrading under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Constitution of Malta.

“Our application comes after years of battling with Government, demanding guarantees of the physical and psychological safety of our clients and repeatedly offering our support to facilitate this process.

The application is, in its essence, seeking justice for the humiliation suffered by these woman as a direct consequence of Government action.

Malta cannot wave the LGBTIQ flag, here and overseas, if it refuses to protect the most vulnerable and marginalised persons in the community.” (Dr. Neil Falzon, aditus foundation Director)

The case was filed against the Director of Prisons and of the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security.