Activists, NGOs and academics held a vigil outside the Corradino Correctional Facility in memory of the deceased prisoners and asked for the reinstatement of access to the prison. 

The groups issued a statement saying that ‘the reign of terror instituted by former prison director Alex Dalli is a clear factor leading to this loss of life. His resignation, and far less his self-suspension, will not bring these victims back.’

As mentioned above, the now former director Alex Dalli suspended himself after a meeting with Law Enforcement Minister Byron Camilleri. In his place, Red Cross director Robert Brincau was given the role of prison director. 

The activists are asking 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’ said the group.

The group expressed how we all remain in the dark about the facts leading to the deaths of the prisoners. This despite the internal inquiries that have been launched. ‘Without access to Corradino’ the activists stated ‘it became easier for Dalli to run the prisons without any oversight whatsoever.’ 

Apart from calling for a safe and humane environment for prisoners, the groups are expecting Minister Byron Camilleri to ‘shoulder political responsibility for the findings of the [Ombudsman] report.’ 

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Photo Source: Moviment Graffiti FB, Byron Camilleri FB