Ex Prison Warden’s Medal Retracted After People Pointed Out She’s Being Prosecuted For Involuntarily Causing Woman’s Suicide
A former prison officer accused of being responsible for young prisoner Kim Borg Nicolas Virtu’s suicide was awarded a medal for long and efficient service – despite facing serious charges.
Anabelle Cauchi, along with a group of 72 prison officers, posed for a photo with Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri during the award ceremony.
However, it was later discovered that Cauchi was facing criminal charges related to the death of a prisoner.
The Borg Virtu family’s lawyer, Rachel Tua, expressed her disappointment with the ministry’s mistake, emphasising the pain it has caused. While acknowledging the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” Tua highlighted the emotional toll on the family affected by the tragic loss.
“Are any of these accused for allegedly torturing Kim Borg Virtù, who attempted suicide in prison, which eventually led to her death? When she had only three weeks left to be released?”
Upon learning about the situation, the Home Affairs Ministry promptly took action. They ordered the CEO of the Correctional Services Agency to remove Cauchi’s name from the official medals list and suspended her nomination until the court proceedings are concluded.
The ministry acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret over the incident.
As a result of this incident, the minister has called for a review of the processes used to determine eligibility for such medals. According to the law, recipients of long and efficient service medals must demonstrate impeccable character and conduct throughout their tenure in the disciplined corps.
Commanding officers are responsible for recommending individuals who have consistently proved themselves worthy of this distinction.
Cauchi, who has since retired from the Correctional Services Agency, was charged in 2021 with involuntary homicide in relation to the suicide of Kim Borg Virtu, a 29-year-old detainee at the Corradino Correctional Facility.
A magisterial inquiry into the death implicated Cauchi and another prison officer, Alison Vassallo, in the crime. They were accused of failing in their duty to prevent the tragedy and now face criminal prosecution.
It is worth noting that Cauchi had previously received a similar medal in 2019 for her work at the Correctional Services Agency before the criminal proceedings began.
During the recent ceremony, other officers were also honoured for their years of service, with 44 receiving a medal for 18 years, 51 receiving a medal and clasp for 25 years, and six receiving a medal and clasp for 30 years.
The medals were presented by Minister Byron Camilleri, and Christopher Siegersma, the CEO of the prison agency, was also in attendance.
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