Prison needs reform now
Former prisons chief Alex Dalli “suspended himself” just over a week ago after the 14th death under his watch in Corradino. Despite numerous calls for his removal, the Minister for Home Affairs, Byron Camilleri, has so far refused to as much as criticise Dalli. That Dalli only suspended himself, instead of being suspended or removed by Camilleri, speaks volumes about the power he yields. Following Dalli’s removal, 10 inmates went on hunger strike, and 94 per cent of the prison warders signed a petition asking for his reinstatement. The petition, announced by the GWU, confirms the trade union’s misguided support for Dalli, especially after its newspaper published leaked recordings of an alleged commotion involving a whistleblower who spoke to the media about the prison director’s inhumane methods. The ministry merely confirmed the above through separate statements, without giving any hint as to whether Dalli can, eventually, return to his former post. It is legitimate for many to wonder whether the government is effectively interested in turning over a new leaf or is silently paving the way for Dalli to return, possibly rebranding the feisty director in the process. Camilleri has...