Robert Abela, Alex Dalli, Ombudsman report, prison abuses, Malta politics

Prime Minister Robert Abela has continued to defend Alex Dalli and his management of the Corradino Correctional Facility, despite a damning Ombudsman report detailing inhumane treatment, racism, intimidation, and human rights violations under his leadership. The report also highlights that 14 inmates died at the facility, many by suicide, during Dalli’s tenure.

Rather than addressing the findings, Abela has retained Dalli as Special Envoy to Libya and dismissed the Ombudsman’s report. He criticized Emeritus Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, accusing him of merely “sitting behind a desk” and passing judgment.

The Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) condemned Abela’s remarks, expressing solidarity with the Ombudsman and stating that institutions should be respected, not attacked. The PN also highlighted that Minister Byron Camilleri, responsible for overseeing the prison, continued to support Dalli despite the reported abuses. In response, the Opposition has submitted a motion of no confidence against Camilleri in Parliament.

The PN insists that Malta deserves a government committed to accountability, the rule of law, and respect for institutions, vowing to continue exposing abuses and advocating for justice.