'Rehabilitation in prison mainly depends on inmates'

Former prison director Emmanuel Cassar believes the rehabilitation of inmates depends on the will of the individual. However, he says prison authorities can do more.

Interviewed by Saviour Balzan on Reporter, Cassar said society does not always accept former inmates. "The acceptance of former inmates by society plays a crucial part in their rehabilitation," Cassar said.

On the use of drugs in prison Cassar said authorities can decrease the smuggling of drugs into prison but can never eliminate the problem completely.

Speaking on the recent controversy regarding the Josette Bickle case, he said most of the recommendations he had forwarded when he was director between 1995 and 2002, were never implemented.  

Cassar said he never experienced political interference in his 38 years of service within the police corps. "My motto always was to do what I believe is right"