A total of 16 suicides have been recorded in Malta’s prison system between 2000 and 2025, according to data tabled in Parliament by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

The figures, presented in response to parliamentary questions, show that 15 suicides occurred between 2000 and 2021, with an additional case recorded between 2022 and 2025.

The Minister noted that for some years, complete data was not available, but confirmed that three inmate deaths recorded in 2021 were all suicides. According to the same data, the average prison population in 2021 stood at 748.

Camilleri said the single suicide recorded since 2022 should be viewed in the context of new measures introduced to support inmate health and wellbeing, suggesting that reforms may be having a positive impact.

In recent years, Malta’s prison system — particularly Corradino Correctional Facility — has faced public scrutiny following multiple inmate deaths and allegations of mistreatment.

A damning Ombudsman report published in 2022 detailed systemic abuses and a culture of fear under the leadership of former prison director Alex Dalli. The report outlined harsh disciplinary measures, degrading treatment, and the use of isolation as punishment — sparking outrage among human rights organisations and the public.

Notably, the three suicides recorded in 2021 occurred during Dalli’s time as director, with a total of 14 inmate deaths registered between the start and end of his tenure (2018–2021).

Minister Camilleri’s previous defence of Dalli — as well as his decision not to remove him from his current post as special envoy to Libya — has also been cited as one of the reasons behind calls for his resignation by the Nationalist Party.

Despite these concerns, Camilleri has maintained that reforms are ongoing and that the situation within the prison has improved significantly in recent years.

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