The Office of the Ombudsman initiated an own initiative investigation into possible systemic maladministration within the Corradino Correctional Facility.

The investigation was launched on 4 November, the Ombudsman's office said.

This means that the Ombudsman's investigation launched prior to the news that a prisoner was found dead at the Corradino Correctional Facility on 10 October.

The Ombudsman decided to conduct this investigation following a number of reports alleging maladministration in this facility. "The Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement was informed accordingly on the 5 November."

The prison has been in the spotlight for a number of years with many complaints surfacing over how the prison was being managed.

14 deaths in prison were reported since the controversial Colonel Alexander Dalli took over the leadership of the Corradino Correctional Facility. Dalli has suspended himself after the latest death.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri has also come under fire but has dismissed calls for his (Camilleri's) resignation, saying that he has always acted according to the facts.

An inquiry that had been called by the ministry into the operation of Corradino Correctional Facility led by a board of experts kicked off some weeks ago is still ongoing. The ministry says that the inquiry will serve as the basis for "more holistic reforms" at the prison.