Government to construct new young offenders building at Mtahleb

The government will be investing €1,100,000 into a new the construction of a new facility to house young offenders at Mtahleb.

National Security Minister Manuel Mallia told parliament this morning that 17 young offenders have already been transferred to the SATU (substance abuse therapeutic unit) facility in Mtahleb and the plan was to expand the premises to act as a facility for minors.

According to the minister, the premises had been left vacant for over a year and a half despite having been refurbished.

Mallia also said that a new director responsible of the education and reform of inmates at the Corradino Correctional Facility will be announced today.

The government was however in the process of issuing an external call for the appointment of CCF director while a manager responsible of the prisons' operations has already been earmarked.

According to Mallia, the person "enjoys past experience in the field".

The minister also informed the House that inmates serving sentences at Mount Carmel Hospital's forensic unit will soon be transferred to CCF in a specially-designated area.