Momentum on Saturday expressed shock at the results of the inquiry concerning Corradino Correctional Facility at the time of Alex Dalli.

Momentum committee member Dr Matthew Agius said: "The Ombudsman report clearly states that intimidation, systemic maladministration, and degrading treatment of prisoners were the order of the day under the tenure of Alex Dalli. This behaviour, which goes against the basic tenets of human decency, is unacceptable".

Agius notes that the Ombudsman determined journalists and the press should be granted access to prisons, emphasizing that "Many of the unpleasant situations which occurred in the period under examination could have been averted or at least attenuated had the press and the news media had the 'right' to inspect the CCF."

Agius adds: "We at Momentum suggest going even a step further. As is the case in other countries, members of parliament should have the right to make unannounced visits to prison during the year. The possibility of MP surprise visits should serve as a deterrent against any repetition of the inhumane treatment which was a characteristic of Alex Dalli's tenure as Prison director".

For its part, ADPD The Green Party said that it is disgusted with what was revealed in the Ombudsman's report, urging legal action to be taken against Dalli and anyone else who was invoilved in the wrongdoing.

ADPD said that the police now have enough evidence on which to proceed.