Report to the Maltese Government on the visit to Malta carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 16 to 21 July 1995

Abstract

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) is first and foremost a mechanism designed to prevent torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment from occurring, although it may also in special cases intervene after the event if this is important for future prevention. Underlying the CPT's activities is the notion of co-operation and assists to find ways and means create acceptable treatment within detention centres. CPT is guided by the following considerations: that the prohibition of ill treatment is absolute; that ill-treatment is repugnant to the principles of civilised conduct, even if used in milder forms ; and that ill-treatment is not only harmful to the victim but also degrading to the person inflicting it and ultimately harmful to the national authorities in general.

The delegation visited the following places of detention: Police establishments • Police Headquarters, Floriana; • Cospicua District Headquarters; • St. Julian's Police Station; • Ta'Kandja Police Complex, Siġġiewi; • Immigration Service cells at Luqa International Airport. Prisons • Corradino Correctional Facilities, Paola. Hospitals • Mount Carmel Hospital, Attard; • St. Michael's Ward at St. Luke's Hospital, Pietà. In this report CPT have given an overview of the conditions and the treatment of detainees and provided the authorities with suggestions on the running of these facilities in accordance with the rule of law.