A Third Of All Prisoners In Malta Take Sedatives And Other Tranquilisers
One out of three Maltese inmates takes sedatives or tranquilisers, according to Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.
The question was brought forward by PN MP Joe Giglio, who asked about the use of sedatives in the Kordin correctional facility, in 2021 and 2022.
”While attempts are made to reduce the excessive use of benzodiazepines, this should not be considered as the only measure to evaluate the success of rehabilitation,” Camilleri said.
He explained that the sedatives are given either for temporary medical reasons or else to those with psychiatric conditions under the supervision of a professional therapist.
Up until October 2022, the prison population in Malta was 560 and Camilleri stated that 180 of these 560 were given benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that slow down activity in the brain, helping in reducing anxiety and getting better quality sleep.
The percentage of overall prisoners taking medical drugs has increased by around 6%, from just 2021 to 2022.
What do you make of these statistics?
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