Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia clarified that the replies published in the Council of Europe report, drawn up by the European Committee for the prevention of torture, were provided by the previous administration and not by the present government, as might have been the impression given to the public after certain reports appeared in the media.

He pointed out that the report was handed to the board entrusted with the reform of the Cordin Correctional Facilities (CCF) for consideration.

He said that the report could have been published over a year ago, as soon as it was concluded in April 2012.

He said that the government decided to publish the report to inform the public on the CCF situation.