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 18 to 22 January 2004

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: Police establishments • Police Headquarters, Floriana • Ta' Kandja Police Complex, Siggiewi • Malta International Airport Custody Centre, Luqa • Open Centre for Foreigners, Hal Far Military establishments • Lyster Barracks, 1st Regiment of the Armed Forces, Hal Far • Safi Barracks, 3rd Regiment of the Armed Forces, Safi. The delegation also went to Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital and to Corradino Correctional Facilities, in order to meet foreign detainees and consult medical files. 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.