NGOs call for ‘truly independent’ inquiry on detention centre incident

A truly independent and impartial inquiry on last week's inquiry over the incident at the detention centre in Safi cannot be carried out by a board composed of home affairs ministry employees, NGOs said. 

Aditus, Integra, People for Change foundations, JRS, Kopin, Malta Emigrants Commission, Organisation for Friendship in Diversity and SOS Malta said that "transparency and democratic oversight can only be guaranteed through a truly independent inquiry into the incident at Lyster Barracks."

The eight NGOs said that while they do not doubt the personal integrity of the individuals appointed on the board, "the fact that all of them are employed within the Ministry responsible for the police and the Detention Centres cannot but raise questions regarding the board's independence."

While welcoming the minister's decision to order an inquiry into the incidents, the human rights NGOs reiterated thei call for the inquiry to be conducted by a "truly independent and impartial authority."

"We also reiterate the need for the inquiry to be a speedy one, and for it to result in the publication of concrete recommendations for follow-up action."