Archbishop Charles Scicluna last Sunday visited the correctional facility in Kordin, celebrating Mass and meeting inmates on the occasion of what is known as the Prisoners' Jubilee.
The prison was in the news a few weeks ago when a damning report issued by the Ombudsman exposed the "systemic maladministration" of the facility a few years back, when Colonel Alex Dalli was running the place.
It inevitably led to calls for the resignation of Minister Byron Camilleri, and also put the spotlight on how the prisons should operate.
The topic of prisons and the need for more humane correctional facilities is one that evokes significant debate in the field of criminal justice. There is growing recognition of the need to reform prison systems to better serve the goal of rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their criminal behaviour, are treated with dignity and respect.
Inhumane conditions not only violate the basic principles of human dignity but can also exacerbate mental health issues, increase aggression among inmates, and perpetuate cycles of violence. The dehumanisation that often occurs in overcrowded prisons, where individuals are treated as numbers rather than as people, undermines the idea that the justice system is designed to rehabilitate, not just punish.
The ultimate goal of a prison system should be to rehabilitate individuals, so they can reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. Prisons that focus on rehabilitation provide an environment where individuals can learn new skills, engage in therapy, and receive education. Keeping prisoners occupied is one way of bringing out qualities and enabling them to contribute to society. It is always good to note, for example, that the prison bakery produces hundreds of the popular "qaghaq tal-appostli" (apostles' rings) at this time of the year.
In contrast, harsh and punitive conditions do little to address the underlying issues that led to criminal behaviour, such as substance abuse, poverty, lack of education, and mental health problems. By investing in more humane facilities, society is making an investment to reduce future crime, lower recidivism rates, and help formerly incarcerated individuals lead more productive and fulfilling lives after release.
There are many societal benefits to adopt a more humane approach to imprisonment. First, improving prison conditions can help alleviate the strain on the criminal justice system, which is often burdened with high recidivism rates. As individuals are offered education, counselling, and vocational training, they are better equipped to reintegrate into society, reducing the likelihood that they will reoffend after release.
In any society, the way in which individuals are treated, especially those who have fallen afoul of the law, is a reflection of the moral compass of that society. A more humane prison system aligns with the values of justice, fairness, and compassion. While the primary function of prisons is to hold individuals accountable for their actions, it is essential to remember that punishment should not come at the expense of a person's basic rights or their potential for reform.
The concept of restorative justice, which focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour and reintegrating offenders into society, is one that aligns with the principles of a humane prison system. This approach emphasises accountability and transformation rather than retribution, and it can be far more effective in reducing future criminal behaviour.