A 49-year-old Maltese prisoner was found dead inside his cell at the Corradino Correctional Facility, the government said.

A magisterial inquiry had been launched.

The man’s body was found early on Sunday night, the Agency for Correctional Services said.

There were no apparent signs of violence on the body. The man was taken to Mater Dei Hospital and was certified dead shortly after.

The police are also investigating the case.

Reacting, the Nationalist Party said this was the seventh prison death in the last year and a half. The Opposition said the Home Affairs Minister should immediately answer for this “total failure.” 

PN spokesperson on home affairs Beppe Fenech Adami said the Minister should shoulder the responsibility in another case that shows that, instead of being reformed in prison, people are losing their lives.