Steve Libreri has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Welfare and Development of prisoners.

Libreri was appointed by President George Vella after receiving the recommendation from Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, following a decisions made by cabinet.

Libreri has been working in the social sector for the past 15 years where, in his most recent years, he worked as the Director for the Directorate for the Child Protection Services.

He graduated from the University of Malta in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and later specialized in forensic work with minors. He also holds a Master's degree in Management and Human Resources from the University of Leicester.

Camilleri welcomed Libreri to this new role and entrusted him with the task of promoting rehabilitative work in correctional facilities, while ensuring that security and order are maintained.

Through this appointment, Camilleri said that the office of the prisoner welfare commissioner will continue to be strengthen within the Correctional Services Agency

The former prison welfare commissioner was Mauro Farrugia who resigned from his post in April, after less than 12 weeks due to personal circumstances. Camilleri added that he was grateful for the work Farrugia had carried out in this position.