Police have questioned Svetlana Muscat, Head of Strategy at the Correctional Services Agency (CSA), following allegations that she permitted Yorgen Fenech to meet individuals in her office at Corradino prison.

This has led to Muscat being placed on forced leave pending further investigation. The issue was internally flagged and brought to the attention of the Home Affairs Ministry last Friday, with police conducting questioning on Saturday.

Fenech, a prominent business figure awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, allegedly met undisclosed individuals in Muscat’s office. Lawyer Jason Azzopardi suggested on social media that these were “business people.”

It remains unclear whether these meetings occurred more than once, and prison regulations stipulate that all visits to inmates must occur in designated areas under CCTV surveillance, except for conjugal visits.

Access to offices like Muscat’s requires specific written permission. The Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that they promptly alerted police upon learning of the allegations, resulting in Muscat’s immediate administrative leave.

Police will now determine whether criminal charges or disciplinary actions are warranted. Muscat, formerly a journalist and ministerial aide, has held her current position at the prison for several months.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s Shadow for Security and Reform Darren Carabott issued a statement demanding the government immediately and publicly clearing the situation in regards to this situation.

He called on Minister Byron Camilleri to clarify the situation without delay. Carabott also called on the Minister to confirm or deny that being reported over these secret meetings.

The statement calls on Camilleri to give the reasoning behind the forced leave, what steps will be taken and whether the meetings involved any court procedures.

UPDATED

In reference to the statement issued by the Opposition and its spokesperson, the Ministry reiterates what it told the media when asked, namely, that as soon as the incident came to light last week, an immediate report was made to the Police and an investigation was triggered.

‘Pending this investigation, the concerned individual is on forced leave.’

‘In the Agency, it is not politicians who speak, but results. Today, the prison is free of drugs, major reforms have been made and are ongoing, and the Government continues to invest daily in more professionals, more rehabilitation programs, and even in infrastructure.’

#MaltaDaily