The PN said that it can no longer remain silent at the way elderly patients in St Vincent de Paul are being treated "as prisoners."

PN spokesperson for Active Ageing Paula Mifsud Bonnici said that Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela had promised that the list of security measures taken when Carmelo Fino escaped from the elderly residence would be released, but they have not.

The PN said that despite Abela denying that the residence has become a prison, from 28 June until today, elderly people cannot even take a step without permission or unaccompanied, the party said.

The PN reiterated that Abela had said that there was no failure in the system and shifted all the blame of Fino's disappearance on the workers of the residence. It said that today, there are five security companies, each with security members at the residence.

It questioned Abela's intentions, asking why the Minister chose to convert St Vincent into a prison, when there was no recommendation from Judge Geoffrey Valenzia to increase the number of security officers.

"Who decided that this is the best solution so that such a tragedy, for which the government has not taken any responsibility, does not happen again?" the PN said.

The PN appealed for government to review the drastic position it has taken and give back the dignity it has stolen from the elderly at the residence.

It said that the safety of the elderly and those suffering from dementia remains the biggest priority, but their privacy, freedom and dignity cannot be violated.