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 13 to 18 May 2001

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 • Fort Mosta Police Station • St. Julian's Police Station • Sliema Police Station • Valletta Police Station • Victoria Police Station (Gozo) • Xagħra Police Station (Gozo) • Detention premises at Luqa International Airport • Ta' Kandja Police Complex, Siġġiewi • Lock-up at the Courts of Justice, Valletta Prisons • Corradino Correctional Facilities, Paola • Substance Abuse Therapeutic Unit, Mtahleb Psychiatric institutions • Mount Carmel Hospital (forensic ward), Attard 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.