The Nationalist Party is seeking answers from the government following reports that Svetlana Muscat, who serves as the Correctional Services Agency's (CSA) Head of Strategy, was put on forced leave after she allegedly allowed Yorgen Fenech to meet people in her office at the Corradino prison. 

Fenech is accused of being a mastermind in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.

In a statement signed by spokesman on home affairs Darren Carabott, the PN said that Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri should quickly clarify the situation.

The Home Affairs Ministry later replied to the PN's statement confirming that Muscat had been placed on forced leave and that the police are investigating the matter.

The PN said Camilleri should confirm or deny if what was reported on secret meetings are true as well as: give the reasons why Svetlana Muscat was given forced leave; what other steps were taken with regards to Muscat and if steps were taken with regards to Yorgen Fenech and/or other third parties; if it is true that these meetings occurred, what they regarded and if they were connected to pending proceedings in court or if they were on other matters that will be investigated; and what procedure was adopted so that Muscat went from a communications coordinator to a head of strategy.

The PN concluded that in these delicate moments, the people need to have immediate and clear information about these allegations. It added that it is in the minister’s interest to immediately address these allegations that have the ability to tarnish the name of the prison administration in Kordin.

Replying to the PN, the Home Affairs Ministry said that as soon as the act in question was recognised last week, a report was immediately filed with the police and an investigation began.

Pending that investigation, the person in question is on forced leave, the Ministry said.

“In the agency, it’s not politics which talks but results.  Today the prison is free of drugs, there have been and there still are massive reforms, and the government is continuing to implement big reforms and to invest in more professionals every day, in more rehabilitative programmes, and in the infrastructure,” the ministry said.